ACR Journal

Managing cooling and heating fluids is key if process efficiency is to be optimised and operating costs minimised. Hydratech, the UK’s leading formulator of hybrid glycols and specialist heat transfer fluids provide a range of services to maximise thermal efficiency, minimise downtime and extend component life. Hydratech’s suite of Fluid Management Services™ include: Fluid management: Time to take a proactive approach For more information on Hydratech’s Fluid Management Services™, or their range of hybrid glycols and heat transfer fluids contact: t. 01792 586800 e. info@hydratech.co.uk w. www.hydratech.co.uk Secondary refrigerants are usually liquids and are used to transfer heat from the substance being cooled to a heat exchanger where the heat is absorbed by a primary refrigerant. Secondary refrigerants are used in many applications for example; Large refrigeration plants often use secondary refrigerants to transport the cooling capacity from the plant room to the point of use. With over 20 years’ experience, Hydratech has used their unrivalled technical knowledge of flow characteristics, thermodynamics and cooling systems to design and formulate innovative fluid solutions. Coolflow DTX was introduced in 2010 as a high performance non-toxic secondary refrigerant, suitable for replacing PG in food and beverage cooling systems. Performance wise it has very similar heat transfer and pumping characteristics to Ethylene Glycol and subsequently benefits from numerous operating advantages The list of Coolflow DTX adopters is now extensive and includes a host of well-known companies from the brewing industry, including Mitie, Integral, Sainsbury’s, Airbus, Siemens, EON and SSE. So, the next time you’re looking for a specialist cooling solution, with the added advantage of a Fluid Monitoring Service be sure to talk with the experts first. www.hydratech.co.uk info@hydratech.co.uk t. +44 (0)1792 586800 Secondary refrigerants are also referred to as “heat transfer fluids”. The condition and performance of secondary refrigerants is necessary for quality refrigeration plant operations. Coolflow secondary refrigerants and food safe glycols are proven to increase productivity, reduce maintenance and lower operating costs. Chilling, Fre zing & Secondary Refrige ants ADVERTORIAL 35 CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk Consultancy - application and selection Heat transfer fluid characte istics have a direct and long-lasting impact on system performance, production output, energy consumption, maintenance and down-time. Selecting an appropriate formulation, mixing ratio and compatible inhibitor package can be a daunting task for those not familiar with fluid thermodynamics, toxicity, corrosion chemistry and aerobic bacteria. Hydratech have been assisting customers with fluid selection for 25 y ars, utilising over 100 years combined experience in all aspects of cooling and heating applications. Pre & Post Commission Conditioning It is not uncommon for the maintenance of cooling systems to be overlooked, leading to potential issues, including; advanced corrosion, biological fouling and sediment formation. All of which will have a direct and negative impact on heat transfer, pumping performance and energy costs. Ultimately, pipe-work corrosion can lead to failure, leaks and untimely shut-down. Prior to any remedial repairs it is likely the cooling and/or heating fluid will be drained down and disposed of. New fluid is needed to recommission the associated system. However, due to system c ntamination by corrosion, algae, sediment etc. any new fluid will also become contaminated, so it is recommended (necessary) that such systems are reco ditioned prior to recommissioning. Hydratech are very familiar with the requirements of BSRIA BG/29 (Pre-commission Cleaning of Pipework Systems guidance) and manufacture a range of cleansing and conditioning chemicals to help contractors and end-users meet those requirements. Fluid Monitoring Program Selecting an application-specific heat transfer fluid or water treatment package is the first important step in maximising system performance. It confirms an awareness of individual system design, thermal and pumping demands, and how energy e”ciency (CoP) can vary according to fluid characteristics. To sustain specified thermal and pumping performance over extended periods of time, the fluid, pipework, heat-exchangers, pumps etc. should remain in ‘as new’ condition, there should be no degradation of the mechanical or fluid components. This can be achieved provided; • Corrosion resistant and compatible metals of construction have been selected. • The system has been properly pre- commission cleaned and preferably passivated prior to filling. • A compatible (synergistic) long-life inhibitor formulation has been added to the heat transfer fluid. • Air (oxygen) ingress has been minimised and preferably eliminated. Hydratech recommend periodic analysis of the heat transfer fluid, to verify long-term condition of the fluid and system. How it works: Customers are supplied with pre-packaged and labelled bottles for collecting and despatching of samples to Hydratech’s lab for periodic analysis. A report is provided for each fluid sample analysed - containing confirmation that the concentration, pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity etc. of the fluids are within acceptable limits. If any results are outside these limits, it may be recommended that a more in-depth test is carried out. Fluid Maintenance Each sample tested through the Fluid Monitoring Program™ has an associated report, which details all the relevant results together with any recommended actions. It is often possible to correct corrosion, scale and biological issues by adding appropriate doses of booster inhibitor(s). Hydratech manufacture many di™erent inhibitor formulations for regular or shot dosing of closed loop cooling systems.