A UK thermal fluid system support, maintenance and risk management service provider, has launched a new flash point recovery unit with the ability to guarantee process industry customers an unrivalled degree of safety.
Developed using 21 years’ industry experience, Thermal Fluid Solutions (TFS)’ MHTM 2500 Freestanding Portable Thermal Fluid Flash Recovery Unit is the only rig on the market to recover both open and closed cup flash points, the minimum temperatures at which, in the presence of a source of ignition, fluids become flammable.
While other units are able to recover closed cup flash points, relating to fluids within closed vessels such as thermal fluid pipes, the MHTM 2500’s ability to also recover open cup flash points significantly reduces the risk of fire or explosion should fluid escape from the system, for example due to leakage.
In addition to dual level safety protection, the new unit offers several other benefits. The portable rig can easily be moved by fork lift truck between multiple systems on large sites, and precludes the need for the costly installation of equipment foundations.
The recovery process is quickly undertaken while the thermal fluid system is in operation and the process has negligible impact on host system parameters, therefore no down-time is incurred. Fully automated, the MHTM 2500 is able to operate unattended 24/7.
TFS developed the new rig in association with the leading Italian manufacturer of industrial boilers and thermal oil heaters, partner Bono Energia, at a time when the firm is enjoying increasing demand for its recovery service.
Said managing director, Richard Franklin: “A growing number of process industry firms are recognising that regular conditioning of thermal fluid is necessary in order to cost-effectively maintain vital fluid parameters such as minimum flash points, and so too legislative compliance. Our new rig increases our capacity as we work to help these firms manage their risk, as well as offering an unrivalled degree of safety.”
While most companies in the process industry are aware that thermal fluid systems operating above the flash point of the fluid must be maintained according to ATEX and DSEAR legislation, many still do not appreciate that organic thermal fluids based on mineral oils degrade over time.
Degradation can cause a fluid’s flash point to decrease, as “lighter” fractions with lower flash points than the heat transfer fluid itself are generated, reducing the flash point of the fluid overall, so that fluids that were not flammable at the operating temperature at installation become flammable.
TFS was the first company to offer a thermal fluid recovery service, HTfluidfit, a quick, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable alternative to total fluid replacement, extending fluid life by a factor of at least 10, saving customers up to 70% of their thermal fluid costs.
The MHTM 2500 is available with a variety of equipment enhancement options to facilitate efficient operation across multiple systems. Monthly flash point testing, analysis, service contracts and running advice can also be provided.
TFS provides a continuous thermal fluid risk assessment and management package, enabling the safe and efficient operation of thermal fluid systems and legislative compliance, via the creation of bespoke improvement plans. Other services supplied include testing, analysis and advice; water removal; drainage and refill. The company also supplies thermal fluids and a range of ancillary products.
TFS has the following health and safety accreditations: SafeContractor, Avetta and SMAS (Safety Management Advisory Services), which are all registered members of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement). It also has its own laboratory.
The company was established in 1996 as Heat Transfer Systems, rebranding to Thermal Fluid Solutions in 2012.
For further details, please visit www.thermalfluidsolutions.com.