Fulton Vertical Electric (FT-N) Thermal Fluid (hot oil) Heater - Manual (Page 39)

Fulton Thermal Corp.*Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters Manual* Version 2010-0423
Page 39
pressure in the system yields many advantages, a false sense of security should not be
allowed to develop on account of this alone.
c) Certain types of thermal fluid may have operating temperatures reaching 650°F (345°C)
and above, so all exposed pipework is hazardous and should be insulated, as indicated
in the preceding sections.
d) Flanged joints must be checked for tightness during and after the first warming up of the
system. After these checks, exposed hot flanges, pumps, valves and fittings should be
fitted with some sort of shield.
e) It is important to remember that there is pressure generated in the system by the
circulating pump. Great care should be exercised when opening any drain or vent valves
in the system.
f) This is especially important during commissioning, when any air trapped in the system is
vented at high points, and when water, which will flash into steam, is either expelled from
the deaerator vent or drained off at low points.
Caution
During operation, any leaks are usually detected by a small amount of vapor.
Leaks should be attended to as soon as possible because under certain
circumstances, such as saturated insulation, thermal fluid can ignite when
exposed to air and heat.
g) If a fire does occur, extinguish using CO2, foam or dry chemical. DO NOT USE WATER.
h) Selecting a Thermal Fluid
1. The selection of the thermal fluid most suited to your application is very
important. Factors to be considered include efficiency,
thermal stability, adaptability to various systems, and physical properties,
including vapor pressure, freezing point, and flash and fire points.
2. Heat transfer fluids of both mineral and synthetic origin have been
specially developed to give thermal stability over a very wide range of
temperature. A wide variety of thermal fluids have been used
successfully in Fulton Thermal Fluid Heater systems, however, your final
selection should be made in conjunction with Fulton Thermal Corporation
or the fluid manufacturer.
3. The Fulton coil design heater is a fired heat exchanger and the safe
control and monitoring of the thermal fluid temperature is of paramount
importance.
4. The safe maximum bulk temperature of the fluid must be strictly adhered
to. The safe maximum temperature of the fluid varies, but a typical
maximum for many types of mineral oil based fluids is 600°F (320°C).