Protect Your Fluid Systems: Third Step to Winterize

Execution of an action plan for winterization should take place around July to September -- well before ambient temperatures start dropping. That means ticking off projects involving insulation, vents and drains, and more. 

Notes on insulating and heating

Insulation can be used to prevent materials from solidifying or getting more viscous. But it only works if ambient temperature is sufficient for normal operation flow rates and exposure time is short. For long term exposure, make sure heat is continually added to the process. Still, keep in mind that even with heat, temperatures can drop during start up and shut down, or when a line accidentally gets blocked off. So consider insulating all wetted parts of your system.

In the case of mission-critical applications, consider options such as steam or electric tracing your lines, jacketing valves, hoses, or tubing--or even bundling similar lines. Be sure to design heated enclosures with ample room to work and windows for reading gauges and output devices.

Sidestepping old tracing methods

It's reasonable to rely on steam tracing systems in some cases to keep process fluids flowing smoothly and prevent freezing in low temperatures. But beware of outdated methods.

Back in the early 1900s, the refining industry turned to steam tracing systems to meet this need. However efficiency and energy costs weren't as crucial then as they are today, and the earlier steam tracing methods weren't very efficient. The standards for insulation, installation designs, materials, and maintenance were not cost-effective and often didn't produce desirable results for the process conditions.

Steam tracing systems play two vital roles in industrial plants:

1. Compensate for heat loss from the process fluids due to poor insulation or other components, ensuring that fluids keep flowing smoothly
2. Prevent any part of the system from freezing in low ambient temperature climates

Modern steam tracing

Poorly designed or installed steam tracing systems can have catastrophic effects on reliability and production operation, ultimately costing the plant both time and money. A modern approach to steam tracing is crucial for maintaining reliable production processes.

Today's steam tracing systems incorporate the latest technology in components and design standards, making them highly efficient and reliable. We expect no system failures within six years of operation when utilizing medium or high-pressure condensate return system designs, which offer a highly energy-efficient thermal cycle.

If you're not sure where to start, I suggest downloading our free Winterization Checklist. It helps with thinking through risk factors and winterization best practices.

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