Thermic fluid heater refractory and insulation: a maintenance checklist

In textile process houses and many other plants, the thermic fluid heater runs almost round the clock. Its refractory and insulation decide how much fuel it burns and how long it runs between breakdowns.

Every week

• Look for hot spots or discoloured paint on the casing
• Check doors and peep holes for hot gas leaks
• Watch the flue gas temperature for a steady rise
• Compare fuel consumption against production

Every shutdown

• Inspect the furnace lining, burner area and front wall for cracks and spalling
• Check the refractory around doors and openings
• Inspect insulation and cladding on hot piping and the heater shell
• Clean soot and ash from heat transfer surfaces
• Record what was repaired, and where

Signs it is time for relining

• Repeated patching in the same area
• Casing hot spots that return after repair
• Rising fuel consumption at the same load
• Pieces of refractory found in the ash

Insulation matters too

Bare or damaged insulation on thermic fluid lines and the heater body wastes fuel every hour. Repairing insulation is often one of the quickest paybacks in a process house.

JISPL supplies and repairs refractory and insulation for thermic fluid heaters, boilers and hot air generators. See our fuel-saving guide for more.