News & Articles – Nirmal Energy Limited

BULK TEMPERATURE AND ITS SAFE WORKING IN THERMIC FLUID HEATER

nirmal — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 12:22:17 +0000

Thermic Fluid Heater is most popular in almost every industry, and it is being used for various heating applications due to unique advantage over other heating systems like steam heating, electrical heating, direct firing, air heating etc. In many of the applications, it is very cost effective and energy saving as it has an exceptional advantage over other industrial heating methods.

Thus, it is important to recognize various aspects of thermic fluid heating and significance of thermal oil temperature when thermic fluid circulate through tubes of heater. When fluid flowing inside the coils or tubes of the heater, it creates multiple layers of flow of the fluid along the tube periphery and this layer is almost stationery in a form of a film. This formation of film offers very high resistance to flow of heat from the heat source through heated metal surface to circulating thermic fluid. The level of resistance also depends on the velocity of thermic fluid flow and thickness of the film formed. Therefore, it is usual that more heat is passed through this film and transfer the heat in the bulk oil to gain bulk temperature of the fluid in the system. In this way, temperature at the film of the oil is always greater than bulk temperature of the thermic fluid. The bulk temperature is being established by the velocity of the thermic fluid in the heater coil.

To achieve optimum performance and longer life of the thermic fluid depends on the requirements of heat in your process and design parameters of the heater for the safe operation to meet the duty conditions. To ensure longer life of the thermic fluid without any deterioration, risk of fire or any damages, following are the care and requirements.

Considering the heater selection and load requirements are exactly as per the process, need to check the heater as it is operating as per the features envisaged at the time of selection. Ensure that heater works at prescribed heat load and thermic fluid flow velocity must be around three meters per seconds depending on viscosity of thermic fluid and the characteristic of thermic fluid pump, the correctness of flow velocity can be interpreted and hence checked by observing the pump circuit pressure. The user must be acquainted with the data, from manufacturer and observe the figures strictly. This care on part of users, will ensure the correctness of film thickness and hence the reliability on the correct interpretation of Bulk Temperature, in terms of safe working temperature at which the oil remains below cracking limit.

Another most significant issue is correctly selected the right thermic fluid for your unit. Now a days you can get best brand synthetic thermic fluids in the market at reasonable price, and You may get it tested or get the certificate of analysis to conform the specifications use as a reference document for future thermic fluid condition monitoring.

It is also recommended to retest the thermal oil from the system once in a year for a good synthetic thermic fluid or as may be recommended by the supplier. This is to ensure that all its properties are in good condition and not deteriorated. Periodical testing of thermal oil help to know the fluid is healthy and within reference values and parameters. All operating parameters of the heater system are to be monitored and controlled as per the requirement of safe working in the process load and to avoid any deterioration of thermic fluid and fouling in the system.

Any change in the operating parameters, fuel combustion or exhaust gas temperature, fouling in the system etc. are to be checked regularly and remedial measures should be implemented. Similarly, care must be taken to prevent any extraneous material or moisture or water etc. should not be entered into the expansion tank or thermic fluid circuit and also do not reuse the leakage thermic fluid from pump gland or spilled oils which can lead to the deterioration good thermal oil. It is advisable to top‐up the same grade of Thermic fluid in the system to ensure stability and longer life of thermic fluid in the system.

BY: MADHUSOODANAN.S

(Author is presently working as a Principal Consultant – Nirmal Encon Services, Director Technical ‐ Heatran Engineers Pvt Ltd, and Managing Director ‐ Nirmal Energy Limited & its associated companies, Ahmedabad and having more than three decades of experience in the similar fields.)

Bulk Temperature And Film Temperature In Thermic Fluid Heating

nirmal — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 12:30:21 +0000

Thermic fluid heaters and its working temperature is always a perplexing term and it is also mostly misunderstood expressions. Generally, all thermic fluid manufacturers recommend certain economic operating temperature or optimum fluid bulk temperature based on its useful life of the product. Hence, the manufacturer of Thermic Fluid Heaters recommends a continuous operating temperature of 300° degrees Centigrade for such a heater in their expectations or estimation of temperature profiles.

But it is important to understand various aspects of temperature when thermic fluid flows through tubes of heater. When fluid flowing in the coils or tubes of the heater, a very thin layer of the fluid all along the metal periphery vehemently adheres to the solid metal very strongly. This layer never moves and form a film or layer which is a stationary oil film. This film creates very high resistance to heat flow from outer heated metal surface to circulating thermic fluid. This resistance depends on the velocity and thickness of the film formed. Thus, the more heat is passed through this film and gain heat in the bulk oil and the resultant temperature of the film is always higher than bulk temperature of the oil and bulk temperature depends on the velocity of the thermic fluid flow in the heater coil.

Therefore, lower film thickness permits higher bulk temperature through higher thermic fluid flow velocity of fluid in tube. Difference between bulk temperature and film temperature with higher flow velocity can be estimated as low as 20°-25° degrees Centigrade. On other side, with low velocity of the fluid in tube can make film temperature difference to the tune of 70° -75° degrees Centigrade. So, film temperature is very crucial for the life of tube and thermic fluid. Therefore, thermic fluid flow velocity through helical tube coil is very critical and it is one of the determinants of film temperature. When heater outlet bulk temperature measured is 280° degrees Centigrade and its film temperature with a good design for optimum velocity can limit film temperature above 20° to 25° degrees Centigrade to bulk temperature and film temperature will be in the tune of 300° to 305° degrees Centigrade. In case of low fluid flow velocity due to inadequate design, the film temperature can go to 70° to 75° degrees Centigrade above operating bulk temperature which results in fluid acquiring film temperature of 350° to 355° degrees Centigrade and it is near to the dangerous level and boiling point of even synthetic thermic fluid and mineral oils is always disadvantageously have lower boiling point.

The film temperature goes above boiling point, vapor is formed along the metal periphery and this is much less viscous and thinner than liquid oil film and adhere far more rapidly and it has high resistance which is hundred times higher than liquid film resistance. This vapor film in the periphery of the tubes interfere and will not allow to transfer the heat to thermic fluid and tube surface get exposed to the hot combustion gases and heat at the outside of the tubes. This kind of overheating on the metal surface is also called “hot spot” heating and it will cause cracks on tubes whereby explosive low flash point hydrocarbon gases are formed. The vapor film above the desired temperature is capable enough to crack the fluid to lighter hydrocarbon gases or low boilers thereby reducing flash point of fluid drastically.

So, it is vital to understand the significance of bulk temperature and film temperature for the thermic fluid heater manufacturers and their proper and appropriate usage.

BY: MADHUSOODANAN.S

(Author is presently working as a Principal Consultant – Nirmal Encon Services, Director Technical – Heatran Engineers Pvt Ltd, and Group Executive Chairman & Managing Director – Nirmal Energy Limited & its associated companies, Ahmedabad and having more than three decades of experience in the similar fields.)

USE OF THERMIC FLUID HEATERS, ENSURING RELIABILITY AND LONGER LIFE FOR THERMIC FLUID

nirmal — Mon, 26 Oct 2020 05:25:47 +0000

Thermic Fluid Heaters is the most popular in almost every industries and it is being used for various heating applications due to unique advantage over other heating systems like steam heating, electrical heating, direct firing, air heating etc., because of the following exceptional advantages:-

Very low working pressure and safe from explosion hazards.
Heat transfer medium or working fluid remains in liquid phase throughout and higher overall heat transfer.
Greater efficiency of heat utilization, superior fuel-saving possibility, and better return on investment for the industry.
No botheration continuous water treatment for feed water in case of steam boiler.
No problem of scale deposition on heating surface.
New generation thermic fluids with excellent properties are available in the market
Better heat transfer coefficient, higher thermal stability, and long-life cycle
Exemption from Indian Boiler Regulations Act and related formalities

Thus, many unique advantages when selecting the thermic fluid heater for your heating applications over steam heaters due to its specific characteristics. Considering the physical and chemical properties of thermic fluids, it is so easy to handle and operate as per the requirements of industries. On the contrary, the physical properties of the water are not very attractive to carry-out easy operation of heating systems in the factories or industries even though the chemical properties of the water is incredibly safe and inert. Though the thermic fluid has many undesirable chemical properties, but physically, the behavior is very acceptable.

When we heat any fluid, it is essential to have energy input to heat-up and change the phase and in this initial process, water tends to be a dangerous but afterwards it is always changed enough to manage the process and heating. In turn, thermic fluid is always satisfactorily performing in its operating range and may deteriorate into uncontainable situation if do not take due care and precautions during filling, operating and topping-up in operating conditions. Though, thermic fluid system can ensure reliability of performance, economic operations of thermic fluid heater, the safe operating and protection from fire hazards can only be accomplished through the understanding and knowledge on the resulting issues as follows:

Right selection of thermic fluid from the many fluids available in the market
Understanding of basic physical and chemical properties
Selection of fluid is a critical factor to ensuring reliability, performance, and long life

Nirmal Energy Limited, Ahmedabad and its associated Companies serving in this field for 22 years and more than 3000 thousand customers taking advantages of their services. They are advising and serving the industries on the appropriateness of thermic fluid for their heaters and guiding them on selection of suitable design and features of Thermic fluid heaters in the backdrop of mushrooming of copy-cat manufacturers of Thermic fluid heaters without understanding of basic design features of Thermic fluid heaters and system.

Basic design features of thermic fluid heaters are necessary to be built-in to ensure not only the best possible performance of heater but also ensuring the longest possible life for the thermic fluid. Thermic fluid is by-products of petroleum or petrochemical processes, in turn, thermic fluid heaters are to be suitably designed by competent engineers. Therefore, it is so critical to have design competency to design the heaters with latest norms and design codes and also to suit the inherent properties of the thermic fluid and undoubtedly the design of thermic fluid heaters cannot be performed by any fabrication companies or any ordinary design. We, at Nirmal Energy Limited, people having over three decades rich experience in heater industry and thoroughly understanding the nature of thermic fluid, available in India has been continuously propagating all the necessary design features in thermic fluid heaters, deaeration systems and best practices in thermic fluid design.

With respect to the heater and thermic fluid service temperatures, bulk temperature, film temperature, economic operating temperature of fluid and life cycle cost etc are significant to understand. We have also observed that even though the out let temperature of the heater may indicate the bulk temperature well below 300°C, the actual temperature of vapor film be far above 300°C which is sufficient to crack the fluid to high boilers, low boilers and lighter hydrocarbon gases and decrease the flash point, to dangerous value, especially in the case of mineral oils.

The thermally cracked gases would be formed at tube walls, gradually make a way for fouling, accumulate as a tiny particles of carbon compound sticking inner side of the coil and create hot spots and can lead to various consequent failures and even leading to fire.

In a larger extent, the root cause of thermic fluid deterioration attributed to the design of thermic fluid heater or failure to maintain thermic fluid service temperature within the allowable temperature limits, these are some of the factors.

There are many misguided notions about the Thermic fluids heaters, Thermic Fluids, its effective use, permissible operational parameters and its working temperatures etc., due to lack of expertise and know-how about latest technical developments in the field of Thermic fluid heaters and new generation thermic fluids.

BY: MADHUSOODANAN.S

(Author is presently working as a Principal Consultant – Nirmal Encon Services, Director Technical – Heatran Engineers Pvt Ltd, and Group Executive Chairman & MD- Nirmal Energy Limited & Its Associated Companies, Ahmedabad and having more than three decades of experience in the similar fields.)

NEL : 22 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

nirmal — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 07:14:23 +0000

Nirmal Energy Limited (NEL), a Company of 22 Years excellence. It commenced its operations in 1998 with half dozen dedicated people from the field of heating systems and customer services.

We have surpassed many economic uncertainties, many market challenges, and many competitors. We rallied unfazed with our product portfolio of Industrial Oil/Gas / Dual Fuel Burners, Industrial Heating Equipment, Heat Transfer Fluids, Pumps and Systems and custom-built industrial engineering equipment. We made NEL to be customer oriented, customer focused products and services Company with presence in Pan-India and Indian subcontinent. We catered the requirements of various products to many countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Mauritius, Kazakhstan, Middle East, and African Countries.

We introduced best products and technologies to Indian Market in our field of operations which leading the way for Save Energy, Reduce Pollution, and increasing productivity for our customers.

I congratulate the entire team of Nirmal Energy Limited and its Associated Companies like Heatran Engineers Pvt. Ltd., and Nirmal Encon Services for its dedicated services to all customers, and stake holders. We, at our CSR arm MARC Foundation, dedicated to humanitarian services and doing out bit in this noble cause. We also believe that the entire Profit is not for profiteering but to serve the needy, underprivileged, for charity and giving back to society. Thus, we make use part of our profits for humanitarian causes which is an integral part of our values and our Corporate philosophy. We aim at to be a best company and we believe success is a consequence.

October 05 is an establishment day of Nirmal Energy Limited, I congratulate the entire team of NEL family, associate companies, principal companies, business partners, stake holders and above all, our entire customers. We thank you customers for the 21 years of patronage and trust bestowed on us!!! We look forward to having your support.

We wish all the best to entire NEL management and staff for all future endeavors and projects!!!

Best Wishes,
Madhusoodanan.S
Chairman & Managing Director
Nirmal Energy Limited, Ahmedabad.

Other Associated Companies: M/S. Heatran Engineers Pvt. Ltd, Nirmal Encon Services, MS Holdings & Investments. CSR Arm of NEL: MARC Foundation.

Solutia’s new low-temperature fluid

nirmal — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 11:12:46 +0000

Cambridge Major to Utilize Therminol VLT in New State-of-Art Facility

ST. LOUIS, April 26, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — Solutia Inc.’s new low- temperature fluid, Therminol VLT, has been selected by Cambridge Major Laboratories to run its state-of-the-art GMP facility. Ideally suited for single-fluid heating and cooling systems between -115 C (-175 F) and 175 C (350 F), Therminol VLT is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry.

Cambridge Major Laboratories is a service-based chemistry outsourcing partner to the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. “We were looking for a low-temperature fluid with the capability of going below -100 C, in order to scale-up our current processes. We knew Solutia’s Therminol VLT could provide that flexibility, where other companies’ products couldn’t,” said Robert Petersen, pilot plant manager at Cambridge Major.

Leveraging more than 50 years of experience in providing heat transfer fluid solutions, Solutia developed Therminol VLT in response to the pharmaceutical industry’s emerging need for a fluid that can operate at extremely low temperatures. In addition to the capability of operating at temperatures as low as -115 C (-175 F), Therminol VLT offers pharmaceutical manufacturers precise temperature control, increased product yield and reduced production time.

Solutia will be featuring Therminol VLT at booth C274 at INTERPHEX 2005, the world’s largest and most comprehensive pharmaceutical conference and exhibition. Taking place in New York from April 26-28, more than 1,000 leading companies serving the pharmaceutical and biotech industries will be present.

Solutia is the world leader in high-temperature synthetic heat transfer fluids, providing more than 50 years of excellence in technical support, customer service, performance and innovation. For more information on Therminol, call 1-800-426-2463, visit http://www.therminol.com or send a request on company letterhead to Solutia Inc., Therminol-3S, P.O. Box 66760, St. Louis, Missouri, 63166, USA.

Corporate Profiles

Solutia ( http://www.Solutia.com ) uses world-class skills in applied chemistry to create value-added solutions for customers, whose products improve the lives of consumers every day. Solutia is a world leader in performance films for laminated safety glass and after-market applications; process development and scale-up services for pharmaceutical fine chemicals; specialties such as water treatment chemicals, heat transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluid, and an integrated family of nylon products including high-performance polymers and fibers.

Solutia … Solutions for a Better Life.

Cambridge Major Laboratories, Inc. (http://www.c-mlabs.com) is a service-based chemistry outsourcing partner to the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, producing pharmaceutical intermediates, APIs, and other fine organic chemicals. Specializing in chemical process development and advanced multi-step organic synthesis, the Company operates a new, state-of-the-art facility near Milwaukee, Wis., including process chemistry laboratories, kilo labs, two mini-plant suites, two main plant bays, and complete analytical laboratories. The Company has been FDA inspected and approved for cGMP manufacturing.

SOURCE Solutia Inc., Media, Dan Jenkins, +1-314-674-8552, or Investors, Tim Spihlman, +1-314-674-5206

NEL Manufacture & Training Centre

nirmal — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 11:10:42 +0000

Nirmal Energy’s manufacturing facility has been inaugurated on 6th December, 2009 at Changodar, Ahmedabad Dist.

With its manufacturing plant, Nirmal Energy added its in-house capability to manufacture custom built Heat Recovery equipment, Heat Exchangers, Burner accessories, Ring Main Systems, pumping systems, Heating systems etc. The factory is located at: Plot No. 235, Maha Gujarat Industrial Estate, Sarkhej – Bavla Road, Changodar ( Moraiya) Dist. Ahmedabad – 382 213. INDIA.

TRAINING CENTER

We have a well equipped training centre at factory to train 30 Engineers / Technicians at a time, named as ACE – Academy of Combustion Engineering, at our factory premises. It is aimed at to enhance skills and knowledge of our Engineers and customers’ plant engineers / operators and executives.

NEL Corporate Office

nirmal — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 11:08:50 +0000

Nirmal Energy Limited is shifting their corporate office to New Location from its Registered Office to following address from 23rd January 2012.

Registered Office is operational as City Service Centre and Services SBU.

402, Iscon Elegance, Nr. Jain Temple, Prahladnagar Cross Roads, S.G.Highway, Ahmedabad – 380 015 Contact Nos: +91 99 789 14903 / +91 99 789 14902

Save Energy Reduce Pollution

nirmal — Sat, 11 Jul 2020 10:05:00 +0000

Energy conservation refers to the efforts made to reduce the consumption of energy. The energy on Earth is not in unlimited supply. Furthermore, energy can take plenty of time to regenerate. This certainly makes it essential to conserve energy. Most noteworthy, energy conservation is achievable either by using energy more efficiently or by reducing the amount of service usage.

there’s a direct connection between your energy use and the environment. When you consume less power, you reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants, conserve the earth’s natural resources and protect ecosystems from destruction. By taking steps to reduce your energy intake, you’ll contribute to a healthier and happier world.

All these measurements demand more combustion air for safety reasons, then would be necessary for ideal combustion.