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ALUMINUM HEAT PROCESSING NEWS

Aluminum Furnace Maintenance Tips

 

Weekly procedure to reduce risk of fire or explosion: 
Leak Test Procedure for Safety Shutoff Valves

This procedure, or a similar one, should be done at least once a week. The instructions refer to the diagram. Take the unit out of service if it fails any of the following tests. Either correct the problem or replace the defective part. Failure to follow this procedure will result in a dangerous condition that could lead to explosion or fire.

  • Shut off manual valve [7] downstream of safety shutoff valves. This traps gas pressure between the safety shutoff valves and manual valve, causing a flame failure. This should close the safety shutoff valve [4] and blocking valve [6]. If both or either valve fails to close, do not proceed further until you correct the problem.
  • Release gas pressure at test cock [8B] between manual valve [7] and blocking valve [6], then make bubble test for leak through blocking valve [6]. If no leak, close the test cock.
  • Release gas pressure at test cock [8A] and bubble test for leak through safety shutoff [4]. If you don’t find a leak, close test cock and go to next step. If either valve leaks, correct the problem and retest 8 to 10 times before proceeding.
  • When there are no valve leaks, open manual valve [7] and relight the burners. Then close manual valve [1]. The safety shutoff and blocking valve should close due to low gas pressure.
  • Relight the burners. Turn high gas pressure switch [5] setpoint down until it reaches the operating gas pressure. This should cause the safety shutoff and blocking valves to close for high gas pressure. Return the setpoint to its original position before proceeding.
  • Shut off the combustion air blower. This should cause a failure due to low air pressure and cause the safety valves to close.
  • Reset all manual valves to their normal setting for operation. Make sure all electric valves are operating normally. Make sure all test cocks are closed before resuming normal operation.

Alternate Bubble Test

For a more accurate bubble test, use a water-filled, inverted graduated glass cylinder 100 cc or larger. Place it in a larger container of water. If leakage exceeds 8 cc per second, corresponding to 1.0 cfh, immediately overhaul or replace the valve.

The latest design, materials and equipment specifications should be obtained from the company before any reliance is placed on the enclosed since changes may occur due to product improvement.

We value your suggestions and comments, contact Beth Ryan, Marketing Communications at info@secowarwick.com, or call us at 814-332-8400.

 

SECO/WARWICK Aluminum Furnace Group

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