How To Properly Maintain And Service Your Thermal Oxidizer

Your air pollution control system represents ainstalled.
significant investment in not only initial capital but also5. Remove the UV scanner and clean the view lens
ongoing maintenance and operation. Routinewith a lint free cloth.
inspections performed by your staff combined with6. Replace the spark ignitor.
thorough maintenance plans provided by qualified7. Verify burner flame visually at burner or system
Service Technicians will ensure you get the most fromPeep-Site for:
your investment over the entire life of the system.· Color - Color should typically be "Blue" with
Following the recommendations made below will help"Orange/Yellow" tips.
keep your system operating both efficiently and· Intensity - Verify flame strength, flame should
effectively, reducing costly repairs and avoidingnot be "Lazy", verify at several different firing rates.
downtime.8. Inspect the exterior of the burner for damage or
Routine Inspections: The checklist below is meant toareas showing excessive heat.
be a general guide for servicing your oxidizer, however9. Inspect all fan flex joints and replace as necessary
equipment varies and you will need to refer to the10. The T-dampers and linkage (if applicable) should be
original maintence documents for exact proceduresinspected for proper operation and the linkage
and safety notifications.checked for tightness.
Inspections include a combination of equipment checksYearly Inspection
on the "high use" items and data recording to build aPreventive Maintenance Evaluations (PMEs): Generally,
history of unit performance. When performingPreventive Maintenance Evaluation (PME) are a
equipment checks refer to manufacturer's O&Mtwo-day thorough evaluation of your system
Manuals for detailed procedures. For theperformed by a qualified Service Technician. Typically,
data-gathering items, refer to historical data and notePMEs are scheduled on an annual or semi-annual
any significant changes from typical values.basis. It does require the system be cooled down and
Weekly Maintenance Checks - To be performed bynot running for one day to complete the internal
the local maintenance staff of the equipment ownerinspection. On the second day of a PME the availability
user.of process airflow is recommended in order for the
1. Check air inlet filters for dirt and obstruction, clean orsystem to be inspected under normal operating
replace as necessary.conditions.
2. During the oxidizer's normal operation, check for fanThe inspection is based upon a comprehensive
vibration, abnormal sounds or increased noise levels.checklist and should be followed up with a written
3. Check the fan mounting bolts to ensure they haveformal report for your records. The formal reports are
remained tight.an important component of a proper maintenance /
4. Visually inspect and listen for unusual sounds duringrecord-keeping program and are often very helpful
poppet valve operation. Valves should shift smoothwhen working with local regulatory agencies. In some
and evenly in both directions.cases, record keeping and regular maintenance are
5. Check to ensure all fan/motor guards are in placerequired as a component of an air permit. The
and properly secured.checklist is broken down into the following four areas
6. Prior to operating the system, ensure that all oxidizerof your system:
doors and access panels are closed and latched.1. Mechanical
7. View the oxidizer and fuel train for leaks or looseAn external and internal inspection of the oxidizers
hardware.mechanical components will be performed. This
8. View all temperature device read-outs to confirmincludes items such as: ductwork, valves, linkage, heat
temperature operation is within normal ranges.exchanger, reactor, fan, motor assembly, burners,
9. View pressure device read-outs for to confirmcatalyst, stack & observation ports.
operation is within normal range.2. Electrical
10. Verify temperature chart recording device is "On"The electrical components will be inspected and
and recording data.electrically tested to insure that they are functioning
Monthly Maintenance Checks - To be performed byproperly. This includes: switches, lights, relays, timers,
the local maintenance staff of the equipment ownercontrollers, recorders, motors, starters, actuators,
user.disconnects, and wiring. Additionally, the system's
1. Check the burner linkage and external burner"Safety Circuit" will be tested for proper operation and
components for wear or signs of loosening that coulda new spark ignitor (s) installed.
cause gradual slipping out of adjustment.3. Process Control Loops
2. Check fan drive belts for correct alignment,The temperature and pressure control loops should be
alignment and wear. The belts should have enoughinspected and tested to verify correct operation and
tension to allow only ½" movement whensequence. This entails a visual inspection and
pushed or pulled, up or down by hand. A quick checkadjustment of the air/fuel mixture ratio of the burner, if
for alignment can be done by checking the tension onnecessary. Also, an operational review of various
the inner and outer belts. The tension should be equal.controllers, actuators, thermocouples, pressure
3. Remove all pressure switch sensing lines and ensureswitches and variable speed drives will be performed.
they are clear and dry.Technicians should also evaluate the system (or
4. The supply fan/motor bearings should be greased.catalyst) ready circuit, the inlet and atmospheric
Rotate the shaft slowly by hand while applying thebypass damper circuits, the warning alarm circuits, and
grease. Avoid over-greasing.the shutdown alarm circuits.
5. Drains or weep holes on all fan motors should be4. Oxidation Efficiency Test
checked for debris and cleaned as necessary.An optional oxidation efficiency test can be performed
6. Verify Oil level of compressed air Lubricator, add asby using portable detector units or collecting 1-Hour
necessaryprocess inlet / outlet samples for laboratory analysis.
Semi-Annual Maintenance Checks - Can beThis service keeps you alert of any potential problems
performed by maintenance staff of the equipmentrelated to your system's Destruction Rate Efficiency
owner/user or an Experienced Service Technician.(DRE). and is ideal as a pre-test to help eliminate
1. The interior of the oxidizer should be inspected. While"surprises" during expensive formal compliance testing.
inside, inspect the insulation for signs of deterioration,Upon completion of a PME you will receive a formal
damage or gaps. Use extreme caution when enteringevaluation report detailing the current condition of your
or exiting the oxidizer to avoid damaging the door oroxidizer as well as our recommendations for improving
the door threshold insulation (if applicable). Clean theperformance, efficiency, reliability and safety.
inner lens of the burner view port with a soft, dry cloth.Additional testing and maintenance ideas to consider
2. Check the ceramic media for buildup of particulateRepeat Training Sessions: Your maintenance team
or residue and visible damage.may require additional training sessions as a refresher
3. Before closing access doors, inspect the gasketingor due to employee turnover.
replace or repair as necessary to maintain a leak freeCatalyst Maintenance
seal.If your system includes catalyst, regular evaluation is
4. Visually inspection (only) of poppet (flow control)key to maintaining catalyst performance. A standard
valve shafts, seats, and disks.laboratory activity test should be performed yearly,
· Access by removing access doors.with additional follow-up testing as necessary. A formal
· CAUTION: To be performed by trainedevaluation report will be provided. Catalyst services
authorized personnel only, after adhering to allsuch as catalyst rejuvenation or catalyst replacement
Lock-Out/Tag-Out safety precautions.may be necessary. Make sure to inquire about a
· Note: The poppet (flow control) valves may"catalyst buy-back" program for spent catalyst.
shift without warning if the mechanical pins are not