IC-AUGSEP23-PG10+11_Layout 1 01/09/2023 09:44 Page 10
ATEX EQUIPMENT
TuRninG bAck Time on mARine fluid deGRAdATion
When a customer in the marine industry realised that they had not been effectively monitoring their heat transfer system and fluid they contacted thermal fluid experts Global Heat Transfer, for support. After sampling the fluid and determining the extent of degradation, experts at Global Heat Transfer worked with the customer to find the most effective solution. Reducing the carbon levels in the system was not a simple task, but the final results provided the customer with a reliable and efficient heat transfer system.
T Unreadable carbon levels
The initial analysis of the thermal oil sample was very concerning because the carbon percentage weight level was so high it was unreadable. Before this point, the previous highest recorded level for over 30 years was eight per cent weight of the fluid. It is important to note that one per cent weight of the fluid is the typical action point for changing out a fluid. Due to the severe level of degradation, the
lab couldn’t perform any of the eleven tests normally used to determine oil condition. As a result, fluid experts determined that the pumps, drains and strainers in the system were blocked with carbon debris. The system was covered with irremovable hard baked carbon fouling, which acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer efficiency and causing hot spots on coils. The high levels of acidity in the system, caused by oxidation, was corrosive to the internal components of the system and drastically increased the risk of leaks and health and safety risks as pipe corroded. If fluid condition continues to deteriorate and
the system is not regularly maintained, the fluid can increase the risk of fire. Under the Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) and the Explosive Atmosphere Directive (ATEX) regulations and health and safety laws, businesses must take steps to protect workers against risks from fire, explosion and similar events arising from dangerous substances present in the workplace, such as thermal fluids.
hermal fluids can be used for a diverse range of applications in the marine industry, from maintaining the temperature of heavy fuel oils and heating liquid cargo to providing a variety of
heating services in the engine room and accommodation areas. The customer contacted Global Heat Transfer, to take a sample of its thermal fluid from a large tanker. Heat transfer fluids operate at high
temperatures for long periods of time, and naturally degrade over time. If engineers do not regularly test the thermal fluid and get the specialist support and advice needed, they will not understand its condition. Degradation, caused by oxidation, causes sludge which is a thickening of the fluid which will block system pipes. To better understand its condition the marine customer sent a representative sample of the vessel’s thermal fluid for analysis.
10 AuGusT/sepTembeR 2023 | indusTRiAl compliAnce
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
