How to Keep Heat Transfer Systems Safe and Efficient

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At this stage, maintenance activities are relatively easy to conduct, as the carbon is still soft and can be flushed by using thermal cleaning products. However, if the fluid is left to degrade further, pharmaceutical manufacturing companies run the risk of solid carbon becoming baked onto the inside of the heat transfer system—causing dangerous hot spots. Carbon is an excellent insulator and if hot spots form near the heating element of a system, there is a severe fire risk.

Blocked pipes and hot spots eventually lead to breakdowns and costly repairs or replacements, not to mention the added expenses associated with flushing the system and refilling. In addition, disposal of old fluids has to be carried out by qualified professionals in accordance with environmental regulations. This can be extremely expensive if unplanned, hence the need to have a comprehensive maintenance contract in place.

By monitoring heat transfer fluids on a regular basis, it is possible to detect problems and to take preventative actions that minimise degradation and oxidation, keeping pharmaceutical heat transfer applications efficient and costeffective.
(Picture: Global Heat Transfer)

What are Light Ends?

Light ends are another aspect of heat transfer fluid degradation that pharmaceutical manufacturers need to be aware of. The formation of short-chained hydrocarbons, or light ends, are denoted by a decrease in flash temperature, which represents a potential fire risk. This is because light ends have lower boiling and ignition temperatures. Flash temperature represents the proportion of flammable decomposition products in a thermal oil.

The development of light ends needs to be monitored by routine laboratory testing of open and closed flash temperatures, because poorly maintained heat transfer systems pose a danger to staff and infrastructure.

Preventive Action Saves Time and Money

By monitoring heat transfer fluids on a regular basis, it is possible to detect problems and to take preventative actions that minimise degradation and oxidation, keeping pharmaceutical heat transfer applications efficient and cost-effective. Ideally, any plant using heat transfer fluids should create a robust maintenance plan that contains regular system analysis, fluid top-up and careful flashpoint and fouling management.

Maintaining a healthy heat transfer system is a key for keeping a pharmaceutical manufacturing line rolling. Plant managers have to contend with severe costs associated with downtime should thermal fluids be left to degrade to an extreme level. Well-maintained and healthy fluids facilitate a harmonious heat transfer system, which in turn keeps producing the medicines for a healthy world.

* The author is Managing Director at Global Heat Transfer

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Heat Transfer/Safety

How to Keep Heat Transfer Systems Safe and Efficient

What are Light Ends?

Preventive Action Saves Time and Money