Freezing oil dewaxing equipment plays a critical role in petroleum, petrochemical, and lubricant oil production. This equipment removes waxes from oils through a freezing separation process, improving their low-temperature flow properties and viscosity. Proper installation and commissioning of freezing oil dewaxing equipment not only ensures the stability of the equipment but also significantly enhances the dewaxing performance. This article provides a detailed guide on the installation and commissioning steps of freezing oil dewaxing equipment, offering professional operational instructions for users.
1. Basic Principle of Freezing Oil Dewaxing Equipment
Freezing oil dewaxing involves crystallizing and separating the wax components from the oil under low-temperature conditions. The process includes cooling, crystallization, separation, and filtration. Freezing oil dewaxing equipment is widely used in the dewaxing treatment of lubricating oils, diesel, and other oils, improving the low-temperature flow properties of oils to meet the needs of winter and cold-region usage.
2. Installation Preparations for Freezing Oil Dewaxing Equipment
1. Choose a Suitable Installation Location
Freezing oil dewaxing equipment should be installed in a well-ventilated and temperature-appropriate environment, avoiding direct sunlight and excessive humidity. The installation area should provide enough space for operation and maintenance.
2. Check Equipment and Accessories for Completeness
Before installation, inspect the main body of the freezing oil dewaxing equipment, connection pipes, seals, and cooling system to ensure they are intact. Confirm that all parts are complete and undamaged to avoid issues during subsequent operations.
3. Prepare Necessary Installation Tools and Materials
The installation requires tools and materials such as bolts, wrenches, and sealants. Ensure that the corresponding tools and materials are ready for a smooth installation process.
3. Installation Steps for Freezing Oil Dewaxing Equipment
1. Fixing the Equipment and Installing Brackets
Place the equipment body steadily at the designated location and fix it with brackets. Ensure the equipment is level to prevent tilting, ensuring uniform oil flow during the freezing separation process.
2. Connect Inlet and Outlet Pipes
According to the process flow diagram, connect the inlet and outlet pipes for oil and freezing medium correctly. Ensure that pipe connections are tight without leaks. It is recommended to use sealants or sealing tapes to enhance sealing and prevent leaks during operation.
3. Electrical System Connection
Connect the freezing oil dewaxing equipment to the power supply, ensuring that the control panel, motor, and other electrical systems are working properly. Follow proper procedures when making electrical connections to prevent miswiring or short circuits.
4. Cooling System Connection
The cooling system is one of the core components of freezing oil dewaxing equipment. Properly connect the inlet and outlet pipes for the coolant, ensuring normal circulation of the coolant. Choose the appropriate cooling medium as required by the equipment, commonly liquid nitrogen or refrigerant.
5. Install Filters and Separators
Freezing oil dewaxing equipment is typically equipped with filters and separators to remove wax particles from the oil. During installation, check the seals on the filters and separators, and confirm that their directions and positions align with the process requirements.
4. Commissioning Steps for Freezing Oil Dewaxing Equipment
1. System Leak Test
Before starting the equipment, conduct a system leak test. Inject coolant into the inlet and outlet pipes to check for leaks at the connections. If leaks are detected, tighten the pipes or replace seals.
2. Cooling System Commissioning
Start the cooling system and gradually lower the temperature to the required range, observing the flow of coolant and temperature changes. Ensure that the cooling system operates smoothly without abnormal noise or vibration.
3. No-load Trial Run
The no-load trial run involves starting the equipment without oil input. Observe whether the motor, cooling system, filters, etc., are functioning properly, with particular attention to the temperature and current of the electrical system. The no-load run typically lasts for 20-30 minutes to ensure that all components are working well.
4. Load Trial Run
After a successful no-load trial, perform a load trial by gradually adding the frozen oil to the equipment. Observe the freezing and separation effects of the oil in the equipment. During commissioning, gradually increase the oil volume and monitor the efficiency of wax crystallization and separation.
5. Parameter Optimization
Based on the trial run results, adjust the cooling system temperature and feed rate to optimize the equipment's operating parameters, ensuring the best dewaxing performance. The temperature and operating time can be set on the equipment’s control panel, and users can adjust parameters according to the oil’s characteristics.
5. Common Problems and Solutions during the Commissioning of Freezing Oil Dewaxing Equipment
1. Uneven Cooling
Symptom: Some oil components do not fully freeze, and wax separation is not obvious.
Cause: Uneven coolant flow or excessively high temperature.
Solution: Check the coolant flow channels for obstructions, and lower the cooling temperature appropriately.
2. Ineffective Wax Separation
Symptom: The oil still contains significant wax, and dewaxing is not achieved.
Cause: Blocked separators or filters, or excessive oil feed rate.
Solution: Clean the separators and filters, reduce the feed rate, and ensure that the wax has enough time to separate.
3. Abnormal Vibration or Noise
Symptom: Abnormal vibration and noise during operation.
Cause: Unstable equipment installation or motor malfunction.
Solution: Check if the equipment brackets and supports are secure, and if the vibration source is the motor, inspect the motor’s condition during downtime.
4. Unstable Temperature Control
Symptom: Significant fluctuations in the cooling system temperature, affecting dewaxing performance.
Cause: Insufficient coolant or malfunction in the cooling system.
Solution: Check the coolant level and add or replace the coolant as needed, ensuring that the cooling system is functioning properly.
6. Safety Precautions During the Use of Freezing Oil Dewaxing Equipment
1. Prevent Coolant Leaks
Leaks of coolant during low-temperature operation can cause abnormal equipment operation and safety hazards. Regularly check pipes and seals during operation to avoid leaks.
2. Regular Cleaning of Equipment
Wax tends to accumulate inside the equipment, affecting dewaxing performance. Regularly clean the internal pipes and filters to ensure that the equipment maintains optimal operating conditions.
3. Safe Operation of Electrical Systems
The electrical system of freezing oil dewaxing equipment should be operated by qualified personnel to avoid misoperation that could lead to equipment failure. Regularly inspect electrical connections and the power supply to ensure system safety.
7. Conclusion
The installation and commissioning of freezing oil dewaxing equipment are key steps to ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the equipment. By strictly following installation steps and commissioning procedures, the equipment can achieve excellent dewaxing performance in low-temperature environments, improving the oil’s low-temperature flow properties. Each detail of installation and commissioning directly impacts the equipment's service life and safety, so users should focus on maintenance and regularly check the critical components to ensure that the freezing oil dewaxing equipment always operates efficiently and stably.
