Simple Solutions That Work! Issue 8

6. Source and quality of compressed air To operate the transporter properly and push the sand slugs thru the pipe run requires compressed air. The transporter should be connected to a compressed air receiver tank, to dampen the cyclical air demand from the transporter, with the air supply originating at the plant’s specified location or a separate dedicated air compressor for the system, using pipe sizes and configurations as proposed by the transporter vendor. Most dense phase sand transporter systems require regulated, dry, oil free air (dew point of - 40 degrees F) at 85 to 100 psi. 7. Electrical connections and controls Electrical power feed to the transporter control panel should be checked to assure that the plant’s power supply matches the primary voltage and load demands of the transporter control panel. Electrical connections should be wired, with the appropriate wire numbers, as shown on the conduit and cabling schedule/electrical drawings, prepared by the vendor, permanently attached to each wire on both ends, from the transporter control panel to a junction box near the receiving bin isolation/ fillvalve and respective high level probes mounted in the receiving bin(s)/silo(s) and level probe in the transporter inlet sand supply pipe stub. 8. Dust Collection The air used to push the sand from the blow tank to the receiving bin(s) must be vented from each receiving bin/silo to a dust collector before being discharged to atmosphere. Each receiving bin/silo should, therefore, be equipped with a means of collecting and filtering the vent air. For a transporter system with only one receiving bin, a simple bin top dust collector can be used. The dust collector for a multiple bin system must have its own fan and will most likely run continuously. The transporter, however, does not operate continuously and provisions must be made for “bleed-in” air when the transporter is at rest. 9. Final inspection of installation and pressure testing Upon completion of all field installation, a final inspection should be made of the entire sand piping system prior to testing and operation. This final inspection should be performed to ensure that all electrical connections have been completed, compressed air supply is ready for operation, dust collection requirements have been satisfied and all piping is installed and supported properly and is ready for testing and operation. 10. Pressure Test After the piping system has been installed and is ready for operation a 24 hour pressure test of the piping system should be performed at the maximum air pressure the system will be exposed to during normal operation. Any air leaks found in the piping system, especially at each flanged pipe joint, shall be repaired and the pressure test for that piping system repeated. Operating the transporter system initially without first performing a satisfactory pressure test should not be attempted to eliminate any operating problems. 11. Start-up Upon completion of the installation, final inspection and with sand supply available to feed the transporter, start-up of the system can be initiated following the detailed start-up instructions specified in the vendor’s Operation and Maintenance manual. 20 Contact: CHRIS DOERSCHLAG [email protected]