Act Now! Presenting Swagelok’s Guide to Site Winterization
WHY?
As temperatures plummet, your critical instruments and lines become threatened or compromised. Failure to winterize means costly repairs, downtime, lost revenues, or, perhaps, harm to employees.
When?
- …if your media's pour/freezing point is above your lowest possible ambient temperature.
- …if there's an opportunity for ice to form (for example, when there's a pressure reduction in moisture-bearing gases).
- …if your low ambient temperatures could increase media viscosity and, thus, reduce flow.
- …if condensation could cause corrosive compounds to form.
- …if your dry lines retain moisture during start up and stoppage.
- …if hydrate formation, phase separation, or ice crystals (at any temperature) could develop.
How?
Here are five proven ways to optimally winterize your facility. To prevent sudden outages, apply at least one of these remedies:
Insulation
Especially effective when your ambient temperature doesn't dip far below normal operating temperatures. However, long-term exposure to low temperatures will necessitate the use of external heat to complement the insulation.
SWAGELOK SOLUTIONS: Multi-Jacketed Tubing, Single-Jacketed Tubing, Insulated Tubing.
Heating
Cost-prohibitive if not carefully employed. Electric-traced and steam-traced tubing are ideal options. Also consider heated enclosures.
SWAGELOK SOLUTIONS: Pre-Insulated Electric-Traced and Steam-Traced Tubing Bundles.
Vent & Drain
To remove all excess material that could collect and freeze, vent and drain any line that will sit unused through the winter.
SWAGELOK SOLUTIONS: Swagelok Premium-Quality Valves.
Bypass Lines
Installation of such will ensure continuous flow, despite freezing temperatures, throughout your system.
SWAGELOK SOLUTIONS: Swagelok Technical Training Classes, Flexible Tubing, Valves, Products.
Hot Air Circulation
Keep warm air flowing through your pump houses and similar locations to maintain your system's working condition.
SWAGELOK SOLUTIONS: Pre-Engineered Subsystems, Energy-Loss Evaluations.
Who?
Swagelok Pittsburgh | Tri-State Area is your local Fluid-System Solutions Provider – with proven and extensive expertise to keep you, your employees, and your valuable assets safe this winter. Contact us.