Fulton Vertical Electric (FT-N) Thermal Fluid (hot oil) Heater - Manual (Page 45)

Fulton Thermal Corp.*Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters Manual* Version 2010-0423
Page 45
Section 3 – Operation
1. Start-Up Preparation & Installation Review
a) Check with local authorities where approval for start-up is required. In some localities,
final inspection of services may be required.
b) Review the installation section of this manual carefully. Confirm accordance with
installation guidelines, including:
1. In general, ensure that the heater area is in conformance with
established heater room requirements. Review national and local codes.
2. Preparation
a) Check for total absence of water in pipework and fluid. To help the system, open all
drains; blow air nitrogen if available into a high point bleed through a pressure regulating
valve.
Note
Unless specially filtered, compressed air will introduce moisture into the system.
Dry air or Nitrogen is recommended.
b) Make sure that there are no obstructions left in the thermal fluid circuit from pressure leak
testing such as blanking plates in flanged joints.
c) Check that pipework is free to expand naturally when hot. Open all valves to user circuits
including air bleed valves at high points and drains at low points in the piping system, and
the liquid level test connections in the expansion section of the combination tank.
3. Filling the System
a) The viscosity of thermal fluid is generally very high (500 cS) at ambient temperature.
Below 50°F (10°C) some fluids become very thick. Fluid should be in a pumpable liquid
form prior to filling the system.
b) Filling must be carried out from the lowest point in the system in order to prevent air
pockets from forming.
c) A drain and fill point (generally a 3/4” threaded coupling) is provided on the inlet to the
pump suction on skid-mounted units. Typically a portable, high velocity pump, such as
the type used for chemical transfer, is appropriate for filling the system. Where only one
or two drums of fluid are required, a handheld pump may be practical.
Note