The life of a plant’s heat transfer fluids can be shortened by the thermal degradation process, which includes mineral and synthetic-based HTF’s. Knowing this information about fluid cleanliness being related to component longevity allows us to make sense.
As a pump control systems service provider in Perth, we are discussing eight approaches to extending a plant’s operating life, through this article.
- Sampling: Fluid samples are often taken to assess the operating condition and health of a system. Taking more frequent samples can maintain an efficient, lasting life for your plant and your process components. The benefits include, improved performance with less downtime because you’re sampling closer together. Therefore, problems will be found before they become major issues.
- Temperature: Prolonged life can be achieved by decreasing the fluid’s operating temperature. This is explained through Arrhenius’s Law which shows that the decomposition rate halves for every 10 degrees Celsius drop in a given temperature. Prolonged heating may lead to changes within cells resulting from oxidative stress or mutagenic activity- both leading factors involved in ending an operating life of a plant.
- Dilution: Proper dilution can be used to remove the by-products of natural gas processing. Adding a set percentage (up to 50%) of HTF will help prevent degradation and maintain fluidity in your system for longer periods, than if you did not add anything at all!
- Filtration: Filtering is an essential step in the purification process. It’s used to remove by-products that could catalyse degradation.
- Removal of light-ends: By installing a temporary or permanent light-end removal kit, you can safely remove a by-product of thermal degradation known as light-chain hydrocarbons. This is done through the process of distillation.
- Recharge with synthetic fluid: Synthetic-based HTFs maximise the ability of a plant to operate at higher temperatures due to their high thermal stability, high heat transfer efficiency and high purity.
- Nitrogen blanket: Oxygen is detrimental to a HTF operating above 60 degrees Celsius. This can inevitably lead to the formation of acids. This corrodes and fouls a pump and system. This can be countered by using a nitrogen blanket to prevent the HTF from coming into contact with air in the expansion tank.
- Anti-oxidants: One way to combat the effects of oxidation on fluids is by adding anti-oxidants. These additives will deplete oxygen in a fluid, reducing its ability for damage, and preserving it longer than normal while still being able to move through pipes or tanks with ease!
About APT Water
APT Water specialises in finding solutions for our clients, regardless of the complexity of the situation or industry regulations. We pride ourselves on a fast turnaround for quotes and approach every project with the integrity and professionalism that the APT Water team are known for within the pumping industry. Chat to us about our pumps in Perth.
Conclusion
All the eight approaches discussed above have been proven to be effective and can be offered as individual interventions or as part of a management plan. You can chat with our team of pump control systems experts to see which route is the most viable for you. You can review our case studies here prior to getting in touch to get a feel of how we operate.