Potential improvement measures for steam tracing in the refining and petrochemical industry during winter

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Potential improvement measures for steam tracing in the refining industry during winter: Improve the records related to the operation of steam tracing systems. Timely improve the records for the steam tracing operation of both new and existing units; these records should include detailed information on each tracing system, with designated responsible persons identified. Steam tracing shall be put into operation in batches. Based on temperature and the properties of the materials, it should be classified into four categories: early winter, deep winter, normal seasons, and shutdown period. It should be deployed precisely according to the requirements, and detailed and accurate records must be kept in the steam heating operation log after it is put into use. Strictly control the amount of steam used. Operators must adjust the amount of heating steam used precisely by controlling the valve opening in accordance with temperature changes; they should not simply leave the steam valves fully open. The pressure in the condensate collection lines must not exceed 0.3 MPa, and the temperature must not exceed 143°C. Infrared thermometers should be used to regularly monitor the heating temperature to ensure that the materials remain free from freezing. Optimize the operation of steam tracing. Depending on the temperature conditions, and while ensuring the stable operation of the materials, precise operation should be achieved; in cases where a single material pipeline has multiple steam tracing points, research should be conducted to determine whether it is possible to operate these points in segments ； One material pipeline is double-steam insulated; can it be put into operation with single insulation first? Achieve optimized operation of steam tracing to minimize steam consumption. Strengthen the maintenance of steam tracing. Regular inspection and maintenance of pipeline insulation, steam traps, and heat tracing pipelines are necessary to prevent the pipelines from being exposed. Any leaks or drips must be repaired promptly. Spare steam traps should be kept on hand, and it is not allowed for steam to be discharged directly at the end of the steam tracing system. Strengthen inter-plant heat tracing management. Special attention must be paid to the inspection of heat tracing for pipelines between factories; in particular, any leaks in areas that are particularly sensitive, such as those passing through urban zones, residential areas, or railway lines, must be resolved immediately to prevent negative public reactions. Recovery of steam tracing condensate. Based on the progress of the condensate recovery projects across the region, the liquid resulting from steam tracing must be recycled and must not be discharged directly on site, thereby avoiding waste.