Thermal oil boilers, given the particular nature of the heat transfer fluid, require specific maintenance different from steam or hot water boilers, which most of the industry is familiar with.
The companies of maintenance of industrial boilers that are not related to this type of equipment, normally, prescribe incorrect actions on these equipments.
Among the main specific industrial maintenance actions for thermal oil boilers are the following:
– Thermal oil analysis
The thermal fluid, as a means of transmitting the heat of the installation, is a fundamental component, and the correct functioning and safety of the equipment and operators depends on its good condition.
A periodic analysis of the thermal oil must be carried out and subjected to the scrutiny of a specialist, who issues a report on its suitability for continued use.
– Expansion tank check
The expansion tank is a unique element of the thermal oil installations. It absorbs the increased volume of the heat transfer fluid as the temperature increases.
It also ensures the thermal oil level in the system.
Therefore, it is necessary to periodically check the internal condition of the tank and its related instrumentation.
– Central tank or collector check
The expansion tank is another unique element of the thermal oil installations. It is aimed to absorb any increase in volume of the thermal oil coming from the expansion tank.
In addition, its function is to store the thermal oil during possible stoppages of the installation.
It is therefore important to periodically check the condition of this element.
– Thermal oil pump inspection
Thermal oil pumps are responsible for circulating the thermal fluid through the system.
Correct alignment as well as checking its tightness is a prerequisite for safe operation.
– Cleaning of thermal oil circuits
Sometimes it is necessary to clean the thermal oil circuits due to a considerable deterioration of the oil.
In addition, the deteriorated oil may have left residues adhering to the pipes.
The pipes should be cleaned using a solution of detergent and then filled with the new thermal oil.
– Adaptation of the thermal oil system to the ATEx directive
The ATEx directive, since its entry into force, has imposed some requirements on some thermal oil installations located in certain types of industries and power plants.
For these cases, it is necessary to carry out a study of the adequacy of the installation and to evaluate the modifications to be made to comply with the directive.
