4 Key Strategies for Protecting Instruments from the Cold

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Science and technology are the primary productive forces; instruments are important “tools” for the development of science and technology. The renowned scientist Mr. Wang Daheng pointed out that “machines are tools for transforming the world, while instruments are tools for understanding the world.” It goes without saying that instruments and meters play a very important role in advancing science and technology as well as the development of the national economy in today’s era. And these days, to make a name for oneself in this industry, you have to follow certain \"rules\"! In winter, it is a major problem when the measuring instruments in power plants get frozen or solidified; in severe cases, this can lead to poisoning, fires, and even explosions. Therefore, it is particularly important to protect instruments and equipment from cold and freezing conditions. Follow me to learn these 4 key strategies, and you’ll be able to solve such problems with ease! I. Selection measures (1) Select instruments equipped with insulation devices. Based on the category and purpose of the instrument, as well as the location where it is to be installed, the insulation and anti-freezing requirements for that instrument are determined, and these requirements are then submitted to the manufacturer for handling. (2) When selecting a model, the primary considerations are generally the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the instrument. Practicality refers to ease of maintenance and accurate measurement, while cost-effectiveness simply means it being inexpensive. The two should be combined; it is not appropriate to choose mass flow meters, metal rotors, electric targets, etc., solely for the sake of convenience and reduced maintenance. Therefore, selecting the right model is also a measure to prevent freezing and condensation. Furthermore, when installing instruments, due consideration must be given to preventing freezing and condensation; for example, the pressure transfer pipes should be as short as possible, regular inspections and cleaning should be carried out, and heating systems should be made available – otherwise, no matter how well the instruments are selected, it will be of no use. II. Insulation measures: Select appropriate insulation materials based on the characteristics of the instruments and equipment, wrap the parts of these instruments that are prone to freezing, and conduct regular inspections to prevent the insulation materials from being damaged. III. Heat tracing measures: Use steam heating to insulate the pipes, and regularly check to ensure that the insulation systems are unobstructed, in order to prevent pipe blockages. At the same time, the amount of insulation steam is adjusted according to changes in weather temperature, to prevent excessively high or low temperatures from affecting the operation of the equipment. IV. Maintenance measures: Instrumentation and equipment should be installed or stored in a dry place, free from the effects of rain and snow. An alarm device can be installed as needed to enable early detection of problems and prompt corrective action. Equipment maintenance personnel should regularly inspect the instruments and equipment. Check whether the valves of the insulated pipelines are functioning properly, whether the insulation boxes are in good condition, and whether the components responsible for electric heating are working correctly. Pay special attention to instruments and equipment that are prone to freezing, and keep proper records of these checks. At the same time, the instrumentation and equipment, along with their insulation and anti-freezing measures, are maintained in a dry, intact, and clean condition, with any issues that arise on site being resolved promptly. In winter, it is very important to prevent freezing of instruments and equipment; many institutions such as power plants and chemical plants should establish appropriate preventive measures and systems. Another important point is that when purchasing instruments in the initial stage, one should pay attention to their normal operating range, and select appropriate instruments based on the local temperature conditions over previous years.