Avoid common pitfalls and learn the steps to specifying and operating a thermal fluid heating system.

Heat transfer fluid (HTF) systems used in the process industry can be considered the heart of the plant.

As a plant operator, you know that equipment at your facility requires maintenance. You undoubtedly know that thermal fluid heaters need a certain amount of maintenance to ensure safe, trouble-free operation and long life.

When designing liquid-phase heat transfer systems, much of the focus is on the furnace, heat exchangers and pumps. But, the expansion tank is a critical component that should not be overlooked.

Capable of cleaning sludge, coke and varnish from expansion tanks, reservoirs, processes and piping within a few hours, system cleaners can be used for preventive maintenance and even emergency downtime system revivers.

Many processes today require an indirect method of heating, which implies the use of a heat transfer medium instead of circulating the process directly into a heater.

A well-designed thermal fluid heating system can provide consistent, reliable and safe operation for decades.

Heat transfer fluid systems are used around the globe to provide indirect heating and cooling to process users.

When planning routine maintenance shutdowns of thermal fluid systems, plant engineers should prepare for a smooth procedure without incident. It pays to remember that prior preparation prevents poor performance.

When sausage maker James T. Blakeman & Co. Ltd., Newcastle, United Kingdom, suffered production downtime as a result of inconsistent cooking temperatures, the company decided to call in thermal oil specialist Global Heat Transfer, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.