Fulton Vertical Electric (FT-N) Thermal Fluid (hot oil) Heater - Manual (Page 51)

Fulton Thermal Corp.*Electric Thermal Fluid Heaters Manual* Version 2010-0423
Page 51
a) Initially, readings on the compound gauge will indicate zero or slightly positive pressure.
During the first few moments of flow, this reading will go towards vacuum, indicating that
the strainer is becoming plugged.
b) Typically, a reading of 3” Hg or greater vacuum on the pump suction gauge indicates that
the strainer must be cleaned. The strainer screen should be back flushed or pulled,
cleaned and replaced.
c) Strainers should be cleaned by means of compressed air. A rag will merely force the
smaller particles into the mesh of the strainer. It is recommended to place a lint free rag
in the center of the strainer and blow air from the outside, trapping the debris in the rag.
d) Allow the pump to run again for several minutes and repeat the filtering process until
pump suction pressure remains steady after cleaning. The amount of time which must be
allotted for filtering varies with the system.
e) When the system is initially brought up to temperature, additional pipe scale and welding
slag will loosen and enter the fluid stream. This will be trapped in the strainer causing
vacuum at the pump suction. This procedure must be followed as necessary in the
course of heater operation.