Functioning �ngf�lls important for economy, safety and environment
It is of great importance for the efficiency of the facility that the �ngels work properly.
�nga is the most common medium for distributing heat in the process industry. About 80% of the energy used in the pulp and paper industry goes into generating �nga. Steam systems consume about half of the energy used in the chemical industry and oil refineries.
�ng filters are used in all types of facilities that distribute process heat. From laundry facilities, which may have a few, to refineries, which may have tens of thousands. �ng traps stuck at a high level can cause damage to the plant and even personal injury. �rafts that are leaking or stuck in an open position cause energy losses.
�ng traps can also be called condensate drains or condensate traps.
Effective �ngfl�de
The �nger trap removes water that has condensed in the pipes when the energy content of the �nger is transferred to the process. If the �ng filters do not work, the �nger cannot flow in the system as it should and it can be difficult to control the process exactly as you want it. Reduced energy efficiency can be very costly.
When heat is added to the system, the temperature of the �nger decreases, assuming that all the water in the system is in the form of �nger. However, if there is water in the system, it will flow when heat is added, increasing the volume. This increases the pressure in the installation, while at the same time not causing the increase in temperature that was expected.
Water can also block the pipes and disrupt the process. There may even be damage to the installation if the �nger pushes a volume of water forward at high speed, causing water hammer. Water that accumulates in one place, such as a b�j, can be accelerated by the �ng flow and spin around, eroding the metal, in the worst case until leakage occurs.
Save energy and money
The condensate discharged by the steam traps should be recovered as far as possible If the steam is to be heated to 120 degrees, it is a clear advantage if you can start with water that is perhaps 80 degrees.
�recycling also saves chemicals added to the system, for example to prevent corrosion. Condensate that is drained off must be cleaned of chemicals. New water that is added contains more oxygen, which can cause corrosion in the pipes ? another reason not to drain more water than necessary.
The losses caused by leaking �nger traps can be significant. A �nger that leaks 13.5 kg of �nga per hour loses �nga for SEK 17,000 per year, if the �nga costs SEK 450 per tonne to produce. If you multiply this by the number of �nger traps in a plant, you realise that you are losing a lot of money. In addition, you have to pay for additional CO2 emissions, which in this case is just over SEK 6,000 per year for each leaking �ngf�ll.
'You need to do at least a thousand �ngs before you get the right feeling,? says Stefan Eriksson at Vimab.
Testing during operation
To ensure that the �ngf�lls are working, you should perform �ngf�llem�ng at regular intervals. The �ngles are tested during operation. This is why it is usually done a few weeks before the installation is to be stopped and maintenance can be carried out.
The function of the �ngf�llan is checked with an ultrasonic sm�tester that also measures temperature. The measurements are uploaded to a computer and analysed.
? But it's not just a matter of measuring, the job also requires a certain dexterity. I usually say that you need to measure a thousand �ngles before you get the right feeling," says Stefan Eriksson, who is Vimab's expert on �ngle�le�ming.
There are many advantages to �ngrowth�logging ? it is a proven process that works, makes construction more efficient, saves money and reduces environmental impact.