HYDRAULICS Thermal fluid systems typically run well for many years with limited intervention. However, all thermal fluids degrade over time, and so a reactive maintenance strategy means that any degradation or build up of contaminants may go unnoticed until it significantly impacts operations, leading to reduced efficiency and/or a drop in quality. When problems arise or production levels drop, engineers may have to resort to a quick fix to minimise downtime, such as turning up the heat of the system — increasing resource and energy consumption. This, combined with the risk of downtime, means many facilities are moving away from reactive and towards a more proactive approach. Reactive to proactive Implementing a proactive thermal fluid maintenance strategy, tailored to the system’s specific needs enables engineers to better understand and maintain their system. Proactive maintenance can help improve uptime, conserve resources and extend the lifetime of fluid and equipment. By conducting an assessment of existing practices and considering common failures or pain points, manufacturers can identify potential areas for improvement. The maintenance plan should include regular inspections of core components, preventative maintenance tasks, increasing staff knowledge and predictive analytics. By identifying potential issues during these inspections, engineers can intervene promptly. Proactive maintenance enhances operational efficiency by preventing equipment failures and minimising unplanned downtime, allowing for smoother production processes and increased productivity. Beyond operational efficiency, proactive maintenance promotes sustainable practices by reducing waste, emissions and energy consumption. Adhering to proactive fluid maintenance procedures can optimise performance, extend equipment lifespan 22 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk Thermal fluid systems are often perceived as low maintenance because of their stability and reliability, operating effectively a closed-loop system with minimal intervention. However, with rising operational costs, changing environmental regulations and increased competition, uptime and process efficiency are more critical factors than ever. That’s why manufacturers should take proactive steps to maintain their heat transfer fluids and HTF system, says Dave Dyer, technical sales engineer at thermal fluid experts Global Heat Transfer. How proactive heat transfer fluid maintenance impacts performance
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