Nobody Understands heat Transfer Fluid Systems Like MultiTherm.
This Trouble Shooting Guide will not solve every problem. It will however, help identify some of the more frequent problems we have encountered in our years of working with hot fluid systems. These are general guide lines that just may save you time, money, and aggravation.
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PROBLEMSCAUSESSOLUTIONSTRANSPORTATIONContamination refers to any foreign substance in a heat transfer fluid system that does not belong to the fluid itself. This is especially noticeable during initial start-up or following maintenance shutdowns. Contaminants often include:
Jump to this SOLUTION: Heat Transfer Fluid, and Filtration
Heat transfer fluid should be kept from exposure to air, especially in reservoirs or expansion tanks above 140°F (60°C). Oxygen entering through openings can trigger oxidation, forming organic acids that accelerate thermal cracking.
Jump to this SOLUTION: Expansion Tank
High fluid velocity is essential in electric immersion heaters to:
Low flow rates lead to temperature increases, causing fluid near the surface to flash over to vapor. Excessively high temperatures can trigger thermal cracking, producing carbon "coke" and light-ends, which increase viscosity and increase the risk of overheating.
Jump to this SOLUTION: Procedures, and Filtration
Problems arise when a high flow capacity heater is paired with a low flow capacity heat user. This mismatch can lead to:
The result is often erratic temperature control and slow response times.
Jump to this SOLUTION: Heat Users
Use a parallel or side stream flow cartridge filter with a 10 to 20 micron filter media to remove particles form the heat transfer fluid.
Install a 100 mesh strainer on the pump suction line for start-up period. May be used for normal operation, to protect the pump from larger particulates.
Drain, Clean, and refill.
Make sure hoses are correct size and have no kinks. Add multiple inlet and discharge ports to increase fluid flow through heat user. Add manual bypass valve as close as possible to the heat user.
For start-up, allow fluid to circulate cold before turning on heaters and/or short cycle around the heater until reasonable flow rate is obtained. Then gradually open valves to include the rest of the system.
For shut down, turn off heater and allow temperature to drop to 200°F (93°C) before shutting off pump. Avoid hot shut down which can overheat the fluid.
Set flow controls so that a full design flow is maintained through the heater at all times.
Seal off expansion or reservoir tank with a liquid seal or vacuum/pressure relief valve, Provide nitrogen blanket on vapor space, Relocate tank far enough from active loop so that it remains “cold” during operations, at least 5’ above the highest point of the system.
Usually used in smaller systems where a 55 gallon drum is too large or too much fluid.
Easily the most common method when ordering heat transfer fluids. Easy to ship and store after shipment.
Available by request only. Usually required by customers who do not wish to dispose of drums thru a "drum recycler." MultiTherm sometimes has totes in stock and other times requires a special order. If we need to special order, it can add 2-3 weeks to the shipping time.
Tanker trucks can economically transport 1,000 to 6,000 gallons per load. Some larger systems will require multiple tankers. Please let us know your fluid requirements and we will determine the best mode of transportation to get the fluid to you to meet your deadlines. Bulk shipment lead times are 2-3 weeks, but can be expedited to around a week depending on fluid availability.
For more information on maintaining optimal system performance or questions about fluid issues, contact us at TechInfo@MultiTherm.com, or for an immediate response call 610-408-8361.
For any future training inquiries, contact a MultiTherm representative by calling (610) 408-8361