How to solve the problem of valves getting clogged in winter
Thread Content
I’m seeking advice from experts: the pipeline uses maleic anhydride, with a CP52.5 grade. The temperature in Guangdong isn’t very low in winter, and the pipes are equipped with copper heating elements as well as insulation. It’s the solenoid valve that gets clogged frequently, and it needs to be kept blown with steam. This results in higher costs, and there is a lot of water accumulation on the ground. How can this problem be solved without using steam?
This post was last edited by changshu2008 on 2016-12-14 09:19. This is a rather technical question; we look forward to replies from experts to learn from them*.
Just use electric heat tracing and set the temperature to a constant level; it should work well
Electric heat tracing and steam heat tracing are both available
The areas where congestion occurs, as you mentioned, are those with a large heat dissipation area and high heat capacity. Strengthening the heat tracing and insulation in that area is an effective solution.
One suspicion is that the pipes were not cleaned in time before, leaving impurities inside them； Second, the heat tracing effect is poor; try using electric heat tracing instead
Based on what you’ve described, the valve operates properly after being heated with steam when it gets stuck; this indicates that the heating temperature for the valve is insufficient. Increasing the heating in this area should resolve the issue, and an electric heating control system could be considered.
Previously, electric heating was used, but since its performance was not good, it was replaced with copper tube heating
Steam tracing, with proper insulation for the entire valve body
Thermal paste can be wrapped between the steam coil and the pipe valves. MAH recommends using steam instead of electric heating
The solenoid valve is likely to get clogged where the flow area decreases, as crystals tend to form there. If it’s a two-position valve, could it be possible to use a solenoid valve with the same diameter as the pipe? If replacement isn’t desired, an additional steam heating tube can be used for this valve in order to raise the temperature in that area as much as possible.