How proactive heat transfer fluid maintenance impacts performance

03 February, 2025

Knowledgeable staff

Having a well-trained team of engineers proficient in operating and maintaining equipment is integral to improving maintenance procedures. Increasing team understanding about the heat transfer system and thermal fluid equips engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to anticipate and address potential issues before they escalate.

Training on key activities, such as thermal fluid sampling, maintenance, safe handling and storage of fluids and system checks ensures that employees are aware of what’s required for compliance and proactive maintenance. Training on safety, PPE and where to access equipment like fire extinguishers and spill kits in case of a leak is also important. Comprehensive training on proactive maintenance not only prevents costly downtime and extends equipment lifespan, it can also help conserve resources, reduce energy consumption and maintain uptime.

Safeguarding your system

When signs of thermal fluid degradation appear, engineers can install complementary components to address any issues. Insulation, for example, can minimise heat loss, decrease energy consumption and improve facility temperature control, extending fluid and system lifespan.

Another possible situation is a build-up of light ends, short chain hydrocarbons that can form as a degradation product of thermal oil, which lower the flash point of the fluid and can be detrimental to health and safety. A light ends removal kit (LERK) installed onto the system effectively captures and removes these volatile compounds, further extending the lifespan of the fluid.

Even with diligent maintenance, after years of service a thermal fluid will eventually degrade to a point at which it must be replaced. At this point, a thermal fluid specialist can help dispose of the fluid as sustainably as possible by arranging repurposing or reprocessing of material for a different application or industry where possible.

By implementing procedures that improve proactive maintenance and system efficiency, manufacturers not only minimise downtime, they can conserve resources, reduce costs and reduce emissions where possible, resulting in a more resilient manufacturing process.

For further information please visit: http://www.globalhtf.com

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