Content area
Full Text
Fluid degradation can lead to expensive maintenance costs and shutdowns due to fouling and loss of heat transfer capacity. Fluid reclaiming allows a processor to reprocess and reuse degraded fluid.
Thirty years ago, heat transfer fl uid (HTF) manufacturers would sell virgin fl uids at infl ated prices and dispose of the used thermal fl uids without regard for the potential of remediating the used fl uid. Times have changed. With the global focus on the impact of chemicals on the environment, and corporate sustainability objectives, heat transfer fl uid users are seeking alternatives to dumping and disposing of used thermal fluids by burning or landfi lling, and replacing with virgin product.
Heat transfer fl uids commonly are used in industrial applications for heating and cooling processes that require a continuous, steady and accurate heat source to ensure product quality. Therefore, selecting the best-matched fl uid for your application is vital to a well-running heat transfer system. Choosing a poorly matched heat transfer fl uid can lead to problems such as:
* Thermal degradation.
* A shorter service life.
* Inconsistent product quality.
* System maintenance issues such as fouling, coking and equipment damage.
Many companies make their heat transfer fl uid choice based on the least expensive fl uid - one whose upper temperature limits barely cover the application. In many cases, this will lead to a shorter fl uid life, which may - in some cases - cost more in the long run than using the more expensive heat transfer fl uid that has the appropriate higher temperature rating.
Even when the best-matched heat transfer fl uid has been selected and maintained properly, it may still degrade. This is mainly due to residence time and high or vacillating temperature effects.
When degradation occurs, most thermal fl uid suppliers will recommend draining the system and replacing with fresh fl uid. This can be expensive, especially for high volume systems. Instead of fully replacing used or spent heat transfer fl uids, users of thermal fl uids can choose to reclaim their heat transfer fl uid. Such an option can yield cost savings.
Degradation and Effects on System Performance
Heat transfer fluid degradation is caused mainly by three factors:
* Thermal cracking.
* Oxidation.
*...