Heat Transfer Fluid Replacement Best Practices

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What is the main purpose of a hot oil system mentioned in the text?

To transfer heat from a central source to other areas of a plant (correct)

To generate electricity

To provide potable water

To cool down the plant

How do heat transfer fluids (HTF) differ from steam, based on the text?

HTF systems are registered at a higher level than steam systems

HTF systems are used in low-temperature applications

HTF systems have higher vapor pressure

HTF systems run at a lower temperature (correct)

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

Because they are unstable at high temperatures

Due to their low-energy efficiency

To increase vapor pressure in the system

For their high-energy efficiency and heat transfer rates (correct)

What caused the breakdown of the original oils used in heat transfer fluids when they were regularly exposed to high temperatures?

Thermal instability due to partial oxidation Signup and view all the answers

In what applications are heat transfer fluids (HTF), particularly hot oils, widely used?

To carry thermal energy in oil and gas applications Signup and view all the answers

How are hot oil systems similar to hot water heating systems according to the text?

Both have heating coils and piping for circulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of locating the pump below the expansion tank?

To avoid cavitation in the pump suction Signup and view all the answers

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

Due to higher flow rates availability Signup and view all the answers

Why are circulating pumps in thermal fluid systems often water-cooled?

Due to the high temperature of the thermal fluid Signup and view all the answers

Which equipment is central to the return system in liquid thermal systems?

Motorized pump Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment is mentioned as commonly occurring in all regions of thermal systems?

Pumps Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to clean the system and remove all traces of the old fluid before recharging with fresh fluid?

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

What hazard is posed by exposed piping systems in heat transfer fluid systems?

Burn hazards to personnel Signup and view all the answers

Why do most heat transfer fluid systems involve the use of a fired heater or furnace?

To introduce an ignition hazard Signup and view all the answers

What is the most preferable type of pump in liquid thermal systems for heat transfer fluids?

Centrifugal pump Signup and view all the answers

Which type of heater has an efficiency range of 40-50% due to the combustion gases not flowing across tube surfaces?

Radiant heater Signup and view all the answers

In which type of heater do combustion gases flow across tubes, transferring heat by conduction through extended tubes?

Convection heater Signup and view all the answers

Why are combination radiant and convection heaters commonly applied in larger units?

For higher efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Where are gas burners typically mounted in a typical fired heater design?

On the floor of the furnace Signup and view all the answers

What is used to strengthen and support a typical fired heater design?

Reinforced concrete piers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a concrete dike that surrounds the foundation of a fired heater?

To prevent hot oil spreading in case of a tube rupture 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 with temperature changes Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to monitor the level of the expansion tank daily?

To maintain a proper system fill level Signup and view all the answers

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

To shut off fuel to the burner in case of flame out Signup and view all the answers

Why should the suction valve of the standby pump in a hot oil system be left open all the time?

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

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

Tube failure leading to oil spray into the furnace space Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an emergency shutdown device in a hot oil system?

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

Why is a low hot oil flow indicating device installed in the outlet line from the heater?

To prevent overheating and probable tube failure Signup and view all the answers

What does a high or low fuel level/pressure shutdown device prevent in a hot oil system?

Unstable burner operation due to high or low fuel gas pressure Signup and view all the answers

Where is a pressure/safety relief valve typically located in a hot oil system?

Downstream of the heater in the discharge line of the pump Signup and view all the answers

Why are two hot oil pumps usually installed in a system, one operating and one on standby?

To allow for continuous operation without shutdowns Signup and view all the answers

What is a key advantage of heat transfer fluids (HTFs) over steam in a heat transfer system?

Low system pressures Signup and view all the answers

In a vapour-based heat transfer system, what is the operating temperature of the system?

HTF saturation temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the expansion tank in a thermal fluid system?

To allow fluid expansion when heated or contract when cooled Signup and view all the answers

How do heat transfer fluids (HTFs) in liquid thermal systems usually move through the system?

Using centrifugal pumps Signup and view all the answers

What causes corrosion problems within a heat transfer system using HTFs?

Leakage of process fluid into the system Signup and view all the answers

Which type of heat transfer system is generally more complex and expensive, requiring higher temperatures and heat transfer rates?

Vapour-based systems Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a heater in a heat transfer system?

To generate HTF vapour for heat transfer Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to sedimentation issues in heat transfer systems?

Deposition of contaminants on heating surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What happens to heat transfer fluids over time in elevated temperatures?

They degrade and oxidize Signup and view all the answers