The European process industry now has access to a pioneering form of thermal fluid filtration technology, capable of removing the 80% of particulate matter too small to be captured by conventional techniques, so improving the cost-efficiency of thermal oil systems across the continent.
UK-based provider of thermal fluid system support, maintenance and risk management services to the global process industry, Thermal Fluid Solutions (TFS), has launched a new depositional filtration service, the first to remove particulate matter measuring less than 20 microns.
TFS estimates that approximately 80% of particulate matter measures less than 20 microns, the minimum size addressed by conventional full flow filter mesh filtration techniques traditionally used throughout Europe.
Carbon solids are formed due to the oxidisation of thermal oil operating at high temperatures. They abrade components such as pumps, seals, bearings and valves, compromising their performance. They form deposits, restricting flow and reducing the heat transfer capability of the system. If left unchecked, systems can become completely blocked and cease to function.
TFS’ new depositional filtration units re-route oil from live thermal fluid systems, running it through fine filters to remove solids without incurring any down time. Systems are left free from particulate matter, and so able to operate efficiently.
The company’s continuous thermal fluid risk assessment and management service, of which regular fluid testing and analysis forms an integral part, enables it to spot when customers’ oil requires filtration.
Said TFS’ managing director, Richard Franklin: “Our work with process manufacturers worldwide demonstrated that, while growing numbers were adopting ongoing risk management policies to ensure that their thermal fluid systems complied with health and safety legislation, many systems were operating inefficiently due to a build-up of matter that escaped conventional filtration.
“Our pioneering new depositional filtration technique – trialed extensively in Latvia last year and already operational in Spain – captures that elusive 80% or so of particulate matter, so enabling manufacturers to keep their systems clean, efficient and cost-effective.”
TFS’ continuous thermal fluid risk assessment and management service enables the safe and efficient operation of thermal fluid systems and legislative compliance, via the creation of bespoke improvement plans.
Regular conditioning or replacement of thermal fluid is necessary in order to maintain vital fluid parameters such as minimum flashpoints. TFS was the first to offer a thermal fluid conditioning service, HTfluidfit, a quick, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable alternative to fluid replacement which extends fluid life by a factor of at least 10, saving customers up to 70% of their thermal fluid costs.
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 is also ISO9000 accredited in quality management, and 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.
