Heat Transfer Fluid Maintenance Quiz

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What is the fundamental difference between a hot oil system and a hot water heating system?

The type of heat source employed

The operating pressure of the system

The heat transfer efficiency

The boiling point of the fluid used (correct)

Why are heat transfer fluids (HTF), especially hot oils, preferred in high temperature process applications?

Because of their rapid heat dissipation ability

Because they require high pressures to operate effectively

As they exhibit much lower vapor pressure than steam (correct)

Due to their low energy efficiency

What was a significant drawback of the original oils used as heat transfer fluids?

Incompatibility with metal working applications

Stability issues at temperatures beyond rated levels (correct)

Poor energy efficiency

High vapor pressure

Why are hot oil systems often registered at lower levels than equivalent steam systems under jurisdictional regulations?

Because of the lower vapor pressure of heat transfer fluids Signup and view all the answers

What component is responsible for creating and maintaining the required circulation in a hot oil system?

Pump Signup and view all the answers

In what applications are heat transfer fluids, especially hot oils, widely used?

Petroleum refining Signup and view all the answers

Why should the pump be located below the expansion tank?

To provide necessary static head and avoid cavitation Signup and view all the answers

Why are centrifugal pumps preferred over gear pumps in liquid thermal systems?

Due to higher flow rates for enhanced heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method of cooling the circulating pumps in thermal systems?

Water-cooling Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is central to the return system in thermal plants?

Motorized pump Signup and view all the answers

What are some auxiliary equipment typically found in thermal systems?

Piping, valves, and pumps Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a heat transfer fluid system over steam?

Simple circuit; no blow downs, steam traps, or condensate return systems Signup and view all the answers

Why is the choice of heat transfer fluid (HTF) crucial for a high process temperature vapor system?

Due to limited fluid options at temperatures over 400°C Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the expansion tank in a heat transfer fluid system?

To keep the system full in case of a leak Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a vapour phase heat transfer system and a liquid thermal system?

Vapour systems generate HTF vapour at higher temperatures but lower pressures Signup and view all the answers

What may cause blockage of pipes and valves in heat transfer fluid systems?

Sedimentation from solids Signup and view all the answers

Why are liquid thermal systems preferred to use centrifugal pumps over gear pumps?

Centrifugal pumps provide higher flow rates for enhanced heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of pump is the most preferable in liquid thermal systems due to the availability of higher flow rates?

Centrifugal pump Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for incorporating an expansion tank in a heat transfer fluid system?

To allow for expansion and contraction of the heat transfer fluid Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between radiant and convection heaters used in heat transfer fluid systems?

Radiant heaters involve combustion gases flowing across tube surfaces Signup and view all the answers

Why is it crucial to clean the system thoroughly before recharging it with fresh heat transfer fluid?

To prevent premature degradation of the new fluid Signup and view all the answers

What type of potential hazards are associated with heat transfer fluid systems?

Fire and explosion hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an expansion tank in a liquid thermal system?

To allow for expansion and contraction of the hot oil Signup and view all the answers

Why are fired heaters typically lined with refractory brick and insulating material?

To prevent overheating of the metal skin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a combination radiant and convection heater in heat transfer fluid systems?

Higher efficiency levels Signup and view all the answers

Why does leaked hot oil pose a serious hazard in heat transfer fluid systems?

'High' potential for serious accidents Signup and view all the answers

'Exposed piping systems are extremely hot' represents what type of hazard?

'Physical hazard' Signup and view all the answers

'Liquid thermal systems consist of a pump, fired heater, and expansion tank' highlights what key component?

Expansion tank Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an expansion tank in a hot oil system?

To allow thermal fluid to expand or contract Signup and view all the answers

Why are multiple burners in a heater not required to all be lit?

To ensure continuous heating even if some fail Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a burner flame failure device in a hot oil system?

To detect and shut off fuel if there is no flame Signup and view all the answers

Why is a low hot oil flow indicating device essential in a hot oil system?

To avoid hot oil coking and degradation Signup and view all the answers

What does a high stack temperature indicator in a hot oil system signify?

Tube failure resulting in oil spray into the furnace Signup and view all the answers

What function does an emergency shutdown device serve in a hot oil system?

To shut down the plant in case of danger or malfunction Signup and view all the answers

Why are two hot oil pumps usually installed in a hot oil system?

To maintain a standby pump for backup Signup and view all the answers

What role does a pressure/safety relief valve play in a hot oil system?

To release pressure downstream of the heater Signup and view all the answers

'Allowing a small amount of hot oil to flow backwards through the pump via a small bypass line' is recommended for what purpose in a hot oil system?

To maintain standby pump at operating temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why an expansion tank should be monitored daily in a hot oil system?

To keep track of thermal fluid expansion and contraction Signup and view all the answers