Glass Lined Equipment Maintenance: Tips and Best Practices
Glass-lined equipment has become indispensable to industrial processes today, but have you ever wondered how it all started? Let’s look at the history of Glass lined equipment and how it has evolved to become a top choice for plant managers worldwide.
Inspection Schedule – “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
One of the main principles behind a productive preventive maintenance program is a meaningful inspection schedule. The frequency of maintenance inspections varies from several times per year to once every couple of years, depending on the severity of service or until an accurate service record is established. “When it comes to preventive maintenance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” says our lead chemical engineer. “You can avoid many costly issues by following a preventive maintenance schedule. Not only does this help keep your equipment running smoothly, but it also helps you catch any potential problems before they become major.”
Using Approved Tools
Using only approved tools when working inside glass-lined vessels is another key factor in keeping them well-maintained. As quick and careful as you may be, it is always safest to use products that won’t damage the glass lining. Therefore it is best to avoid Glass or metallic instruments during the operation or maintenance of the vessel; Glass lined tools are the way to go.
Operating Guidelines – “An investment in your process.”
Therm shock is one of the main things to watch out for when operating your vessel. This can cause an immediate loss of the integrity of the internal glass lining. Thermal shock to the glass lining can occur when the recommended safe temperature differential is exceeded or when heating or cooling is done too quickly. Therefore, following operating guidelines for pressure and temperature limits is important. “When it comes to glass-lined equipment, it’s important to remember that it’s not just a piece of equipment but an investment in your process,” says our junior chemical plant manager. “If you don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of you. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines and setting up a preventive maintenance program will help ensure your investment pays off in the long run.”
Agitator Maintenance – “Maintaining the proper level of fluids in the vessel is crucial.”
You should not operate with liquids at the blade level to avoid agitator problems. When the agitator is run with the fluid in the vessel at or below the blade level, fluid flow causes the shaft to “skate”, resulting in excessive stresses and runout in the seal area and the upper end of the agitator. This can cause premature seal failure and even glass damage on the agitator. The simple fix is to ensure there is the right volume of product in your vessel before turning on the agitator. “Maintaining the proper level of fluids in the vessel is crucial to keep the agitator functioning smoothly,” says our leading process engineer. “Checking the level of fluids should be a part of your routine checks to ensure that everything is working as it should be.”
Invest in the Future Success of Your Process
In conclusion, maintaining glass-lined equipment is crucial for the longevity and performance of your equipment. A preventive maintenance program, using approved tools, and following operating guidelines for pressure and temperature limits can help avoid costly downtime and repairs. By taking care of your equipment, you are investing in the future success of your process. Remember, as the chemical plant manager at Glasskem Equipments says, “If you don’t take care of it, it won’t take care of you.”
