How To Turn Your Hot Oil System Into A Fire Free Zone

Thermal oil systems have proven exceptionally safe over the many years they have served industry. Like any other industrial system however, the proper design, installation and maintenance of these systems is critical to their smooth functioning and extended operating life.

With the exception of rare, freakish situations, the limited number of fires that do occur in thermal oil systems occur in insulation. Fluid leaking from valves, gasketing, welds or instrument ports finds its way into porous insulation and wicks through. Remaining as hot as the system itself, the fluid comes into intimate contact with the air in the insulation's millions of pockets.

As it enters each pocket, the fluid oxidizes and decomposes-in the process using up the existing air and creating heat. Confined within the insulation, the heat has little chance of escaping. The continued oxidation causes temperatures to rise. In some cases temperatures may exceed the autoignition point of the fluid.

Should the insulation be opened up when the system is hot, fresh air will immediately enter. Coming into contact with the hot, partially oxidized fluid, fresh air can cause spontaneous ignition resulting in a smoldering fire, or a flash.