IC-AUGSEP23-PG10+11_Layout 1 01/09/2023 09:44 Page 11
ATEX EQUIPMENT Once the marine customer understood the
severity of its fluid issues, it looked for support to ensure oil condition met acceptable parameters and had a consistent flow, ensuring the vessel and crew could operate efficiently and safely onboard.
Flushing and reFilling the system Global Heat Transfer consulted with the marine customer and carried out multiple system flushes over several days to remove the degraded product. Due to the level of carbon fouling in the system, the risk of coils, pipework and components seizing if the fluid was cooled was too high. Instead, Global Heat Transfer engineers flushed the system at its regular operating temperature, and carefully managed the additional risks of working with a hot fluid. Global Heat Transfer initially used cleaning
It was noted that some parts of the system
were not heating up, indicating that the system was blocked. Given the fluid condition, it was also noted that when a hot sample was collected, the fluid solidified as it cooled. Due to this the system could not be switched off as the system would completely fail.
and flushing fluid Globaltherm C1, which is specially formulated to remove any harsh by- products of organic and most synthetic thermal fluids. This product cleans and flushes as it passes through the system. The system was then refilled with fresh Globaltherm M oil, which operates up to 320°C for extended periods.
regular testing is key After the whole system was cleaned and refilled, Global Heat Transfer took a sample
that showed first viscosity levels were at 36.6 at 40°C mm2
/s (est), compared to the first
measurable level of 142. A typical system would expect a score of 32 for a mineral oil, like Globaltherm M oil, so considering the state of the system originally, this was a positive result. The health and safety risks associated with
the fluid drastically reduced. Flow was improved inside the system, reducing the risk of failure and burst pipes that could harm workers on the vessel and improving efficiency. The artificially low flash point of the fluid returned to a measurable and acceptable limit, significantly reducing the risk of fire. To avoid issues like this in the future, the
marine customer now routinely draws a live, hot circulating representative sample at operating temperature. The sample is then tested and analysed to ensure the oil is within safe and acceptable limits and maintenance is proactively carried out if needed. Regular, proactive maintenance of thermal
fluids will help marine vessels avoid any unexpected downtime and ensure their heat transfer system is reliable. By investing in regular fluid sampling, marine engineers will have the peace of mind that their system is running as efficiently as possible, reducing health and safety issues and costs.
Global Heat Transfer
www.globalhtf.com
IndusTrIal ComplIanCe | auGusT/sepTember 2023 11
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