Questions regarding the summary of antifreeze production
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Now that winter is over, it’s time to summarize the anti-freezing measures taken during that season. Everyone should share their thoughts on the aspects that need attention, such as process pipelines, pumps, pressure vessels, etc.; the more comprehensive the list, the better. :)
For insulation and heat tracing, keep the pipes flowing with water. For pipes or equipment that are not in use, drain all the water from them. If you know where freezing is likely to occur but cannot drain the water completely (in many cases, gaskets get damaged due to freezing), you can replace the gaskets before they freeze, thereby preventing leaks once thawing occurs. Last winter, we replaced over 30 such small gaskets.
The cooling water of the standby pump should either be completely drained or kept circulating to prevent the pump from cracking, as that would result in significant losses
Some cooling water control valves in heat exchangers require a minimum setting to prevent the valve from closing completely, which could stop the circulation of water and cause damage to the heat exchange equipment and pipelines.
In my experience, whether it’s equipment, pipelines, pumps, or anything else, what causes the most trouble are the backflow valves in various components – keeping them in the discharge mode for long periods results in serious waste； The pipes may freeze at any time, so you need to deal with this issue as soon as possible; otherwise, if the pipes or valves get damaged by freezing, the losses will be enormous
The antifreeze-insulated water should be removed, and the insulation steam valves should also be closed to save on steam usage.
The most important thing is to ensure that insulation and heat tracing work effectively. Conduct a thorough inspection and turn them on before winter arrives. In spring, as temperatures rise, decide whether to turn off the heat tracing based on the specific materials being handled.
For steam vent points that are not used in winter, they can be isolated using a blind flange at the main line valve; for steam that may be used in winter, such as fire-fighting steam, it can be slightly opened to prevent freezing. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure that the temperature in the pump room remains above 5°C, and a door curtain should be hung at the entrance.