When purchasing an oxidizer system, there are often components to be considered that are not absolutely required but can be extremely beneficial in field operations.
These include:
Ductwork Insulation
Depending on the facility location, process stream components, and running temperatures, insulated ductwork can provide significant operating advantages. Keeping material in the vapor phase (by keeping the process temperature elevated) helps prevent accumulation in the ductwork, valve sets and cold face of the oxidizer. Reduction of accumulated organics will also reduce maintenance and any potential associated fire risk. Finally, keeping the interior of the duct as clean as possible will reduce operating costs by minimizing any potential line loss as the interior of the duct is kept smooth.
Ladders and Platforms
Any portion of the system that might require regular monitoring or maintenance is best accessed using permanent platforms with ladders, or better yet if possible, stairs. This provides a both much easier workplace for the personnel and provides a safety advantage.
Access Doors
Access doors are standard on NESTEC oxidizer systems. These doors provide for time savings during inspection and maintenance and also provide a safety advantage. Access panels can be heavy and awkward, increasing the potential for strain and injury.
Lighting
When the oxidizer system is operating 24 hours a day, adequate permanent lighting is an expensive option that provides a significant safety and security advantage.
Isolation transformers
In facilities where there are significant potential for lightning strikes or utility power surges, isolation transformers provide inexpensive “insurance” to protect the systems variable frequency drives (VFDs). This become more important the large the VFD becomes as the potential replacement times tends to increase as the unit gets larger.
Dedicated Air Compressor
Where a system requires pneumatics, a dedicated compressor might be considered to ensure uptime in the event of the interruption of compressed air due to maintenance or other requirements.
Fencing and Bollards
For safety and security reasons the system should be fenced, either by the facility perimeter fence, or lacking that, a fence around the system. Whether or not the unit is fenced, bollards should installed to protect the system from vehicular traffic.
This is not a complete list, but a representative sample of items to consider when specifying a new oxidizer system. NESTEC can provide design input through your company’s specification and acquisition process. This service is available for both new systems and existing systems that are being upgraded or relocated.
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