Hot Spots

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Overview of Hot Spots

Hot Spots are overheated areas in high temperature equipment that are often a sign of ineffective refractory and a potential failure. They are fairly common occurrences in furnaces, boilers, and other refractory lined equipment used in the petroleum refining and chemical processing industries. If left undiagnosed, they can be very dangerous and lead to ruptures, blow outs, and process safety incidents.

A good way to detect hot spots before they become an issue is with an effective thermography inspection program. In cases where that’s not possible, temperature sensitive paints can also serve as an effective advanced warning system against hot spots. Once detected, it’s important that hot spots are examined by experienced inspectors and engineers to ensure that it doesn’t develop into something worse.

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Articles about Hot Spots

11 Things You Need to Know About Hot Spots in Pressure Equipment

March/April 2018 Inspectioneering Journal

Hot spots – localized areas of overheating in pressure equipment – can lead to deformation or even loss of process containment. It is important to understand the effects of elevated temperature caused by hot spots on the mechanical integrity of...

Authors: Simon Yuen, P.E., Ken Gottselig

101 Essential Elements in a Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Program for the Hydrocarbon Process Industry - Part 3

September/October 2000 Inspectioneering Journal

This article continues to outline the 101 essential elements that need to be in place, and functioning well, to effectively and efficiently, preserve and protect the reliability and integrity of pressure equipment (vessels, exchangers, furnaces,...

Authors: John Reynolds

Facilities Terrified as Inspection Contractors Continue “Old Fashioned” Methods.

Partner Content

It’s a scary thought to think that with all the new advancements in technology, some facilities still rely on traditional inspection contractors that perform out of date procedures. You rely on technology to keep your home and identity safe, so...