The flow rate of the heat transfer oil fluctuates greatly
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Recently, the flow rate of the heat transfer oil has been experiencing significant fluctuations. During these fluctuations, the pump pressure gauge shows no issues, and the pneumatic control valves on site are also very responsive. The backup pump cannot be used at the moment; I would appreciate some advice from those with more experience
Is there any monitoring of the temperature of the heat transfer oil? Fluctuations in the temperature of the heat transfer oil can also cause fluctuations in flow rate! Alternatively, set the control valve to a fixed opening and observe whether it is the process conditions that cause fluctuations in flow rate!
It has been checked; there is a temperature display on the boiler side and everything seems fine. The control valve has been set to a fixed opening for observation, and there are no issues with it. As for how to monitor these process conditions…
Should the pump’s inlet filter be cleaned?
Could this happen if it’s a problem with the pump inlet filter? ? ? ? The oil level fluctuates suddenly, for an indefinite period of time, before returning to stability
If it’s not a problem with the measuring devices such as flow meters, then it might be an issue with the heat transfer oil return tank
Large fluctuations in pump flow, caused by clogging of the pump inlet filter, are common at the beginning of operation when the system is dirty. If the system remains clean after operating for a long time, fluctuations in pump flow may be caused by fluctuations in inlet pressure.
What I mean is quite simple: it’s a matter of exclusion. As you said, there’s no problem with the heat source side; therefore, the issue must lie on the side that receives the heat. It then comes down to whether the flow rate of the hot oil is controlled by certain process parameters. If the control valve is adjusted manually and the operation of the tower remains stable, then the problem might lie with the control valve itself – for example, issues with the PID settings or problems with the valve itself, such as it getting stuck, etc.! If the tower remains unstable, then it’s a problem with the tower itself – it needs to be cleaned or something similar. As for this method of heating with hot oil, I haven’t worked with it before; I’m just suggesting an idea! At the same time, we hope that CNOOC, which has had such experiences, will share them!
Your question is likely the same as another topic: [Fluctuations in distillation column top pressure]. The feed is likely the problem. The heat from the heat transfer oil should be carried away by the material; when the feed rate--------.
The heat transfer oil storage tank should have a vent pipe to allow technicians to open it and check for blockages.
1. Fluctuations in flow rate are most likely due to problems with the pump’s operation. If a centrifugal pump is being used, gas entrapment may have occurred, meaning gas has been generated in the hot oil system, and this should be resolved by venting. 2. The hot oil system should be cleaned after operating for a long time, such as the filters mentioned above. 3. If there is an automatic adjustment system, it should be checked for issues such as response lag.