A secondary thermal oil loop provides independent control of temperature and fluid flow, allowing for values completely different from those used in the primary circuit.
The primary circuit plays a crucial role by supplying thermal oil to consumers, maintaining a constant flow and temperature. This approach is essential to ensure a continuous, accurate, and consistent supply of heat to processes, providing a solid foundation for the operation of the thermal system.
The introduction of the secondary loop is presented as a strategic solution to optimally adapt various parameters to the specific needs of the process. This level of adaptability is particularly valuable when considering variability in temperature, flow rates, and pressures. The ability to regulate temperature with remarkable precision makes the secondary circuit an ideal choice for demanding processes that require specific thermal conditions.
Reasons for Installing the secondary loop
- Diversity of Consumers: When thermal oil installation must provide heat to different consumers, each with specific thermal requirements, the secondary circuit becomes an indispensable tool for individually adjusting the supply temperature.
- High Required Flow: In situations where consumer equipment demands a significantly high flow, the implementation of a secondary circuit allows for efficient management of these demands without compromising the design of the primary circuit.
- Excessive Pressure Drop: When the pressure drop in consumers is considerable, the secondary circuit offers the necessary flexibility to counteract these effects, maintaining the normal operation of the system.
- Stability and Precision in Temperature Control: For processes that require extreme stability and fine precision in temperature control, the installation of a secondary circuit becomes the preferred choice, ensuring optimal regulation even under variable operating conditions.
The incorporation of a secondary thermal oil circuit not only improves efficiency and operational flexibility but also provides specific responses to complex thermal challenges, addressing a wide range of requirements in industrial and commercial environments.
Other operational advantages of a secondary loop
There are additional aspects that may be relevant when considering the implementation of a secondary thermal oil circuit:
- Energy Efficiency: The introduction of a secondary circuit not only allows for more precise temperature management but can also contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the system. The ability to adjust thermal parameters according to the specific needs of each process can result in more efficient energy use, reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact.
- Integration with Automatic Control Systems: The implementation of a secondary circuit can be efficiently integrated with advanced automatic control systems. This not only simplifies daily operation but also enables a quick and automated response to changes in process conditions, further optimizing system performance.
- Sensor Technologies and Monitoring: Installing sensors and monitoring systems in the secondary circuit can provide real-time data on key variables such as temperature and flow. This not only facilitates more precise control but also allows for early detection of potential issues, improving system reliability and safety.
- Adaptability to Future Expansions: A modular design of the secondary circuit can facilitate future expansions or modifications to the installation. Adaptability to changes in industrial processes or production requirements ensures that the thermal system can evolve efficiently alongside the company.
These additional aspects highlight the importance of considering not only the immediate performance of the secondary circuit but also its ability to adapt to future changes and its contribution to long-term efficiency and sustainability.
Carles Ferrer is an industrial engineer by Universitat de Barcelona. He’s the sales director at Pirobloc and has been involved in the development of many thermal fluid projects in more than 80 countries.
