Hot news for the transport of heat transfer fluids

Safely to the perfect solution: KSB products for heat transfer fluid systems

In many parts of the world the use of synthetic high-performance heat transfer fluids is on the rise. For operators this is an economic benefit, for KSB a major task, dealing with the negative properties of these modern fluids and ensuring maximum operating reliability. As a leading supplier for pumps, valves and automation solutions with a history of 150 years we know exactly what is important – and offer optimum solutions. 

Pumps are the driving force of thermal oil systems – and they have to function for the overall system to operate reliably. The costs incurred by a downtime of the system often exceed the total value of a pump. In addition to downtime, damage may result in the leakage of fluid that is usually toxic and combustible and represents a considerable risk of fire and environmental pollution.

By developing its Etanorm SYT volute casing pump KSB took on the task of producing the best possible solution: The pump is known for its high degree of operating reliability and minimum downtime. Further characteristics are low wear, low vibrations, and a very smooth operation.

All of the above – together with many other benefits – provides maximum reliability and safety as well as many years of economical operation of the system. Technical progress and comprehensive know-how have led to valuable energy savings and safety aspects the environment benefits from too:

Welcome to the world of green solutions!

A critical point of heat transfer fluid pumps in particular is the mechanical seal. The 4EYS mechanical seal especially developed for the SYT pump type series operated in thermal oil systems offers many benefits for this application:

• The multi-spring arrangement provides an even spring load over a long spring travel. Tilting or jamming is almost impossible.
• The open-style design in the area around the springs allows leakage products to be easily removed.
• For more flexibility and less sensitivity to surge pressure a large O-ring is fitted in the rotating assembly of the mechanical seal.
• The mechanical seal complies with the EN 12756 standard, which means it can also be used for older pump generations without any additional measures.

In addition to a single mechanical seal, KSB offers a double mechanical seal, type 4EYT, for use with Etanorm SYT and operating mode to API Plan 52 (unpressurised tandem arrangement). To provide enhanced safety, this seal type should generally be used for synthetic heat transfer fluids which have a vapour pressure above 1 bar at operating temperature. 

A space filled with unpressurised compatible buffer fluid (e.g. mineral oil) between the inboard mechanical seal and outboard mechanical seal prevents any leakage of the fluid handled from escaping to atmosphere. A supply system makes sure that this space is always filled with buffer fluid so the seal faces are lubricated reliably.