Why is blanketing with nitrogen reasonable in a thermal oil system?

Mainly in old systems, expansion tanks and collecting tanks are open to the atmosphere. Therefore, these tanks are filled with air. Depending on the temperature in the expansion tank, oxygen included in the air can react with the thermal oil. This oxidation of the thermal oil causes sludge and tarry products that can pollute and clog the whole system.

If now nitrogen blanketing is integrated in the thermal oil system, the air in the tank is replaced by nitrogen. Then, oxidation cannot take place anymore.

Additionally, due to inertisation in the expansion tank it is not possible anymore to form an explosive atmosphere caused by escaping light ends. In the collecting tank however, condensate does not arise anymore because there is no humid air.

When is nitrogen blanketing reasonable?

Generally, nitrogen blanketing only provides advantages mainly in terms of system care and keeping of high oil quality. The larger the system is and with this, the included oil quantity, the more urgent the use of nitrogen blanketing is required. However, also for small-size systems nitrogen blanketing is always reasonable to protect the connected equipment from pollution.

How is nitrogen blanketing integrated in the system?

A safety valve must be retrofitted that is mostly installed on the outlet of the collecting tank.

Nitrogen blanketing also comes with pressure blanketing of the heat transfer oil system. The blanketing pressure must be adjusted to the system. Especially, it may not exceed the permitted pressures in the system parts.

What does the NESS Nitrogen Blanketing System do?

The NESS nitrogen blanketing system is a product in the NESSessities concept which constantly increases safety, availability, durability and efficiency in thermal oil systems. One of the 3 most important factors for good quality is an acid figure that is as low as possible, which allows a conclusion about oxidation in the system.

Besides the flashpoint and Conradson value,
the acid number is an important factor for good oil quality

How do I integrate the NESS Nitrogen Blanketing System in my system?

No problem at all! Like all NESSessities, also the NESS Nitrogen Blanketing System is designed as an individual module. Existing processes are not influenced. This concept allows the relatively easy retrofitting also for already existing systems.

Where is the NESS Nitrogen Blanketing System integrated?

Usually, the nitrogen supply of the NESS Nitrogen Blanketing System is connected to the collecting tank. The expansion tank is also blanketed with nitrogen through the overflow line, so that the two tanks are protected.

If the permitted pressures of the system parts are not exceeded, it can be integrated without problems.

Does the Nitrogen Blanketing System work automatically?

Yes. The multiply tested control allows the continuous and safe operation of the nitrogen blanket. An approved safety pressure limiter monitors the arising blanketing pressure and safely switches the nitrogen supply off (redundant shut-off).

The integrated condensate separator reliable prevents the intake of water through the nitrogen blanket.

Do I need additional infrastructure for the operation of the nitrogen blanketing system?

For operation, beside nitrogen, electrical power and compressed air are required. Nitrogen can be generated on site using a NESS nitrogen generator. Alternatively, it can also be supplied by a double-cylinder bundle with automatic switching over.

Depending on the size of the system, only one or two free flange connections are required on the collecting tank to mount the safety valve(s).

Are there any special items to observe for the maintenance of the nitrogen blanketing system?

In case of the double-cylinder system, an emptying cylinder is installed downstream that must be dewatered regularly. Despite of the yearly tests for function and safety, the nitrogen blanketing system can be operated maintenance-free.