Oil, gas & renewables
MAINTAINING THE FACILITY While the engineers will monitor fluid and system condition to maintain uptime, health and safety managers can also implement on- site protocols to protect workers from risk. Promoting good housekeeping practices not only enhances productivity but also fosters a safe working environment. For example, clearing pathways and relocating electrical cables are quick ways to eliminate potential trip hazards. Additionally, health and safety managers should strategically position spill kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) within close reach of the system, ensuring that workers are well- informed about their locations to enable swift action during emergencies.
In situations involving potentially dangerous and flammable substances like thermal fluid, health and safety managers must emphasise the vigilant monitoring of any fluid outside the system, typically resulting from leaks or waste fluid spills. Swift action should be taken to address any spills - neglecting them could increase the risks of slips, trips, and fires. Good signage detailing safety procedures is an important part of adhering to regulations. Properly labelling flammable substances, high voltage zones and potential hazards is crucial. Simultaneously, additional signage can outline the best and safest procedures.
When controlling the temperature of the fluid and system, manufacturers must also consider how the heating process will impact the rest of the facility. If the system, or other machines in the facility, exceed their intended operating temperatures it can lead to equipment failure — electronic panels, for instance, can begin to fail once they exceed around 40°C. Correctly installing insulation across the system pipework enables engineers to better regulate temperature. Non-porous insulation, such as blown glass, works well in these applications because if the fluid leaks, the insulation will not absorb the fluid, helping to minimise the risk of fire.
TRAINING MATTERS Educating all staff, whether existing or new, on safety measures and their importance, as well as best practices for procedures like monitoring thermal fluid, is integral to heat transfer maintenance.
Collaborative efforts, including engaging thermal fluid specialists for routine fluid sampling, implementing facility upkeep, and providing thorough staff training, are indispensable for maximising the safe, working lifespan of thermal fluid. These strategies can help health and safety managers mitigate potential risks, establish a safe workspace when dealing with thermal fluids and maintain adherence to local regulations - keeping the beating heart of the chemicals industry ticking away.
Global Heat Transfer
www.globalhtf.com Instrumentation Monthly March 2024
ACCURATE PROCESS CONTROL IN ADVERSE
CONDITIONS
valves, the new actuator performs accurately and reliably under the extreme conditions found in many heavy industries, particularly oil and gas installations in cold remote locations. These actuator/valve assemblies increase uptime, improve performance, and reduce the risk of emissions posed by gas- operated systems locations. Many pneumatic valve
E
actuators installed in remote locations are operated using natural gas, but this technology releases atmospheric emissions every time the valve is actuated. Electric actuators address this issue by eliminating control-related emissions, but existing solutions have limitations, each of which is addressed by the 200R actuator.
Easy installation & calibration: The 200R calibrates itself when a user simply clicks one button using the easy-Drive Configurator Software, provided free of charge with the actuator.
Low energy usage: Operates on 11 to 30 VDC power and consumes less than 0.4 watts when in the holding position mode, making it suitable for use in applications without available utility power.
Low temperature operation: Operates in temperatures as low as - 40°C, eliminating the need for a space heater in all but the most extreme temperature applications.
Loss of power positioning: In the case of loss of power, the actuator can be driven to the user-defined position using its optional RPU-100 reserve power unit.
Remote monitoring & configuration: Real-time monitoring of position, movements, cycles, travel time to position, and power loss available via a Modbus RTU serial interface.
Emerson
emerson.com/fisher200r 49
merson has introduced the Fisher easy-Drive 200R Electric Actuator for use on Fisher butterfly and ball valves. When paired with these
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