Why Fluid System Filters Are Critical for Reliable Operations
Fluid System Filters Explained: Why They’re Critical for Reliable Operations
Contaminants can wreak havoc on industrial fluid systems. Unwanted particles can damage critical components, interfere with accurate sampling and analyzing, throw products off-spec, and cause other downstream problems.
But contamination is a problem that can be remedied by installing the right filters, which trap and contain particulates, at critical points throughout your systems. By applying the appropriate gas and liquid filtration methods, you can mitigate the problems that may arise when contaminants interfere with your important systems.
The Importance of Fluid System Filters: Protecting Your System from Contaminants
Contaminants and particulates are common within many industrial processes. They can arise from a variety of sources, including mechanical equipment, internal corrosion in tubes and tanks, inherently dirty process media, and more. Contaminants have the potential to damage important fluid system components, including valves and regulators, and can interfere with analytical equipment as well.
When particulates flow through a valve or regulator, they have the potential to get trapped between the component’s stem and seat, where they can cause premature wear and damage and interfere with the component’s desired operation. A worn or damaged seat in a valve may fail to completely shut off flow. A damaged pressure reducing regulator seat can lead to excessive downstream pressures. In backpressure regulators, it can cause upstream pressure loss. Each situation can lead to operational and safety issues in your systems.
Where to Install Fluid System Filters
Consider how better labeling and safety-minded system design can reduce opportunities for mistakes to happen. For instance, be sure to place tags on your equipment to indicate what an operator is viewing. Try to colour-code handles, tubing, and pipe to make it clear at a glance what types of fluids or gases are flowing through them, even in processes where hydrocarbons are not present. Also take care to orient components in a way that avoids accidental contact with moving objects or people passing by.
3. Only use ideal materials for the job
It may be tempting to make a price-based decision, but where the stakes are highest it is rarely worth the risk, and you should only rely on products with a proven reputation. The market has become saturated with counterfeit and substandard inventory that can harm your operation. Only purchase through trusted partners and authorised channels.
4. Remove complexity wherever you can
Reduce system complexity where possible to minimise potential complications, and never stop looking for opportunities to make improvements. Simplifying systems also helps down the line, as it will be easier to troubleshoot problems when there are not as many components to analyse. Consult an expert who can make recommendations for making fewer connections.
5. Always follow manufacturer instructions carefully
Failure to follow documented assembly and disassembly procedures might seem like a minor mistake but it can lead to major consequences. Common errors include:
- Under-tightening fittings, creating opportunities for leaks and blowouts
- Over-tightening fittings, limiting the potential number of remakes
- Not ensuring tubing rests firmly on the shoulder of the tube fitting body before tightening
- Not following proper protocols for tube insertion depth or not "bottoming out" the tube
- Failing to properly check tubes for ovality, defects or scratches that can compromise a seal
6. Factor for vibration and motion in your designs
When assembling a de-energised system (something you must always do, as working on a pressurized system is highly dangerous), it can be easy to forget about the effects of machine vibration. Be sure you have the proper supports in place to ensure tubing and fittings will not be unduly fatigued or dislodged during high-pressure usage.
7. Account for material hardness when making tube systems
It is important that component materials be compatible with each other and will have the appropriate hardness to stay connected. Metal tubing materials should be softer than fitting materials to
allow the fitting to grip and collet the tube well.
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