Process Equipment Update
light ends. For instance, good system ventilation maintains steady flash points. Alternatively, Global Heat Transfer’s Light Ends Removal Kit (LERK) is an entirely automated system that removes light ends and manages flash points, fire points and auto ignition temperatures by a process of continuous distillation. The only downside to managing
and removing light ends is the loss of thermal fluid from the system. This also causes the existing thermal oil in the system to be worked particularly hard, which means its deterioration rate can grow exponentially. To avoid this situation, it’s important to top up thermal fluid as often as necessary. When the thermal fluid level is very low in the system, the first priority is to
check the condition of the oil before topping up. Topping up thermal fluid is
an essential, yet simple operation, which can be very useful, save costs and precious time, especially when production is resumed after a system shut-down. When thermal fluid levels are
low, the existing fluid is worked excessively hard, which could lead to system breakdowns. To avoid this, thermal fluid top up should be facilitated as often as possible. To ensure you get the optimal support for your needs, the best thing to do is let your thermal fluid provider know at least a month in advance before total system shut-down.
Every 12 months, the heat transfer fluid in a system can lose between 3-5% of its volume, due to system venting. This represents the ‘breathing out’ of light ends in the form of a gas that is produced as the result of thermal cracking. It may not seem like much at first glance, but this loss can have a serious impact on operational costs. While the decrease of thermal fluid volume can’t be avoided, it’s easily treated.
Fig. 2. A low level switch (removed for cleaning) shows a build-up of carbon as a result of oxidisation.
investigate why it has decreased. The reasons could be anything from a high number of light ends to leaks. Finding and fixing whatever caused the thermal fluid levels to drop is an essential step before topping up. After this is achieved, there are several ways of adding more thermal oil to the system. The best time to top up thermal fluid
is after a system shutdown. Topping up can also be done while the system is operational, but only after certain precautionary measures have been taken. The best practice is to contact your thermal fluid provider and get a specialist team to take samples and
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The name of the hottest place on earth, the Mponeng mine, means ‘look at me’ in the local Sotho language. Sometimes, the only way to detect system issues or weaknesses is by taking a close look at the hot and unwelcoming environment of heat transfer fluid. Regular thermal fluid testing and analysis is essential and becomes particularly relevant during shutdowns, because it entails a comprehensive inspection of the system. This allows you to top up thermal fluid levels whenever necessary. n
Andy Burns is technical business manager at Global Heat Transfer, Stone, Staffordshire, UK.
www.globalheattransfer.co.uk
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