Freezing of inlet and outlet valves of the liquid oxygen pump
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The inlet and outlet valves of the liquid oxygen pump are frozen (at the actuator locations of the valves outside the cryogenic tank); can steam tracing be used for heating? What are the harms?
This post was last edited by looking83 on 2016-11-9 at 12:19. I feel that you haven’t identified the root of the problem; using heat tracing is only a temporary solution, not a permanent one. Moreover, the heat from steam tracing reaches the valve more easily, which can cause liquid oxygen to vaporize. Since it’s the inlet of the oxygen pump, this can make it harder for the pump to draw in liquid oxygen. To solve the problem, first check what is causing the valve to leak cold air – is it because the pearlescent sand in the small cold box has not been filled properly? Is the insulation material inside the valve sleeve not filled properly? Is it still the leakage caused by the valve gland not being tightened properly? Is it still a leak caused by seal wear? Finding the root cause and addressing it appropriately is the right approach.
Steam tracing? It’s not easy to handle, right? After all, the valve stem needs to move; will winding around the tube interfere with the valve’s operation?
To address this issue, I need to identify the root cause; the key is to remove the debris. The system is currently operating normally. Additionally, spare parts for fixing valve seal leaks are available, but it’s not time for maintenance yet, so the system cannot be stopped for inspection
Can the valve cover be removed? If possible, could the valve packing be replaced? ~~
Given the steam tracing in use, the leakage rate is likely to be significant； Mentioning a valve actuator indicates that it is an automatic valve ； First, it is difficult to wrap tubes with steam tracing; second, oxygen that leaks out after applying the insulation layer may accumulate, posing a significant safety risk, so it is not advisable to use any form of wrapping. A temporary air supply tube can be connected to blow air on it; after defrosting, tighten each nut. If there is a backup pump, switch to it as soon as possible for further processing.