Fulton Vertical Electric (FT-N) Thermal Fluid (hot oil) Heater - Manual (Page 38)

Fulton Thermal Corp.*Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters Manual* Version 2010-0423
Page 38
2. If the process flow will vary with the system load, a suitable bypass
system can be recommended by Fulton Thermal Corporation.
21. Testing
a) Upon completion of the installation, a pneumatic test not exceeding 15 psig should be
conducted. Soap tests should be made at all welds and joints to ensure that the system is
free from leaks.
b) Under no circumstances should the system be filled with water. Make sure that the air
supply is as free from moisture as possible.
c) The most satisfactory method of testing is to introduce bottled nitrogen through a
pressure control valve. Check pressure ratings on all the equipment in the system to
make sure that it is capable of withstanding the pressure involved.
d) The time needed to be spent during boilout directly corresponds to the amount of
moisture in the system. Boilout can take anywhere from two to three days to complete.
Pressure testing on the system should be done by means of an inert gas, such as
nitrogen, or by an air compressor producing dry air (air with a dewpoint of 50 o F or less).
Never perform a hydrostatic test on the system.
22. Insulation
a) After the appropriate system tests have been satisfactorily completed, all hot pipework,
including manifolds on the heater, must be adequately insulated with material suited to
the temperature and application to prevent both heat loss and personnel injury.
b) The deaerator section of the combination tank must be insulated. The expansion section
of the combination tank must not be insulated, nor should the thermal buffer section.
c) On units operated with inert gas blankets above the fluid in the expansion tank, the entire
combination tank, including the expansion and thermal buffer sections, may be insulated,
but is not necessary.
d) It is recommended that for inspection and maintenance, pumps, flanges, valves, and
fittings be left un-insulated but suitably shielded for safety.
e) Hot oil pipe insulation should be a minimum of 2” thick, high temperature, laminated,
foamglass cellular glass insulation as manufactured by Pittsburgh Corning Corporation,
or equal.
23. Thermal Fluids
Thermal Fluids at Elevated Temperatures
a) Plant engineers must be familiar with the nature of potential hazards when working with
thermal fluids at operating temperatures.
b) Unlike steam or high-pressure water systems, thermal fluid attains extremely high
temperatures without a corresponding increase in pressure. While this lack of high