By addressing heat loss through targeted insulation and using tools like thermal imaging, facilities managers can achieve significant savings while moving toward sustainability. However, energy efficiency must go hand in hand with system safety.
Preparing for the unexpected While insulation helps reduce energy loss, facilities must also be prepared for the unexpected, such as oil spills. These incidents can pose environmental hazards and disrupt operations, so basic containment measures remain essential. Regular inspection of bunded areas and ensuring pill kits are accessible, with staff trained in proper response protocols, can help minimise risk and maintain safe working conditions.
One sometimes overlooked safety measure is the use of spray guards on flanges and valves. In the event of a leak or seal failure, even a minor release can cause highpressure fluid to spray, creating hazardous conditions for personnel and increasing the risk of fire or equipment damage. Spray guards act as a vital containment solution, preventing this spray from escaping.
Modern spray guards are designed for both durability and performance, offering reliable protection while supporting compliance with international safety standards such as SOLAS regulations and the Model Code of Safe Practice IP15. These standards acknowledge that even fluids typically regarded as nonhazardous can become dangerous when released under pressure as mist or spray.
In systems using thermal fluids, where pressure and temperature are often high, spray guards offer essential protection against sudden gasket failure or unexpected leaks, helping facilities meet compliance requirements while protecting people, equipment and the environment.
Sustainability isn’ t achieved overnight, but small, strategic changes can lead to transformative results.
Proper ventilation
Energy efficiency isn’ t just about retaining heat, it’ s also about ensuring systems operate optimally. Ventilation plays a critical role in keeping thermal fluid systems running efficiently and safely.
Expansion tanks accommodate changes in the volume of thermal fluid as it heats and cools but without proper ventilation the expansion tank gets too hot which oxides the fluid. The expansion tank vent should be piped to the ground floor into a vented dump tank. This setup adds an extra layer of safety, along with clear signage and restricted access to reduce fire risks and is located away from drains and water courses.
Inside heater rooms, airflow is essential. Installing louvre panels at different heights on walls, doors or windows ensures natural circulation of air, preventing heat buildup. For areas where structural modifications aren’ t possible, electric fans or ducting can provide effective alternatives.
For indoor expansion tanks, maintaining at least a two metre clearance around the tank ensures sufficient airflow and prevents overheating.
Each of these improvements, insulation, bunding and ventilation, contribute to more sustainable operations on their own. Together, they form a comprehensive approach that balances energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
However, implementing these measures is only the beginning. Maintenance plans like Thermocare ®, provide facilities managers with the tools and expertise they need to keep systems running at peak efficiency. By regularly sampling fluids to tailor system audits, equipment lifespan can be extended, downtime can be reduced, and overall sustainability can be improved.
Sustainability isn’ t achieved overnight, but small, strategic changes can lead to transformative results. Facilities managers who focus on retaining energy, preparing for the unexpected and optimising airflow not only improve their environmental impact but also ensure operational efficiency and safety. By taking these steps and partnering with a thermal fluid experts, facilities managers can build a system that’ s both sustainable and cost-effective.
Visit Global Heat Transfer’ s website for more insights into optimising thermal fluid systems.
For further information, please visit www. globalhtf. com
Issue 80 PECM 67