How does the oil and gas recovery device operate in winter? Maintenance points for antifreeze, condensation, and low-temperature start stop
Release time: October 29, 2026
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Winter is the season when oil and gas recovery equipment is most prone to problems throughout the year: condensation water freezes, oil viscosity changes, and equipment starts and stops at low temperatures are different from the normal season. Prepare once before winter and check monthly during operation, so that winter can pass smoothly.
Anti freezing management of condensate water
The condensate tank, separator, and low point discharge outlet of the device are all locations where water accumulates. When the temperature drops below zero, this water will freeze, which can cause blockages in pipelines or even rupture the container. Before winter, drain the stored water in the system and keep the low point discharge valve slightly open for dripping or daily discharge; Confirm that the pipeline with heat tracing is functioning properly. The oily condensate in the condensate tank should be transferred in a timely manner according to the station regulations, and should not be frozen in the tank throughout the winter.
Buffer arrangement for low-temperature start-up
The viscosity of the oil in the vacuum pump increases at low temperatures, resulting in high starting current and heavy wear when directly loaded. Before starting, manually rotate and confirm that there is no jamming. If the pump body has preheating conditions, preheat it first. After starting, run it without load for a few minutes before entering the working condition. The operating characteristics of components in the control cabinet may also deviate at low temperatures. Conduct a start stop logic test before winter to detect abnormalities early.
Inspection of heat tracing and insulation
Check the appearance of the electric heat tracing belt for any damage, ensure that the waterproof treatment of the joints is intact, and verify that the temperature control settings comply with the characteristics of the medium inside the pipeline. Check if there are any sections of the insulation layer that have fallen off or become damp due to water ingress. Damp insulation not only does not provide insulation, but also freezes into ice shells to hide the problem. The defects discovered during the inspection will be repaired before the arrival of the freezing period.
Winter Preparation Checklist
Arrange a maintenance from the end of October to the beginning of November: drain the stored water in the pipeline, test the use of heat tracing, replace expired pump oil, inspect heating devices, and calibrate pressure and vacuum instruments. The preparation records will be archived by station, and a thawing season inspection will be conducted in the spring of the following year. The two records will be connected to form the winter record of the device.
| Check item | timing | Key points |
|---|---|---|
| System drainage | Before the onset of winter | Low point discharge, daily re inspection |
| Heat tracing insulation | Before winter and every month | Visually intact and functioning normally |
| Pump oil replacement | Before the onset of winter | By operating hours and oil quality |
| Low temperature start stop | Test during preparation | Smooth turning and correct logic |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the condensate pipe freezes?
Do not use open flames for baking. First, turn off the upstream and downstream, slowly thaw with hot water or heat tracing, find the cause of the accumulated water and drain it, and then resume operation.
Is it normal for the recycling efficiency to decrease in winter?
The volatility of oil and gas decreases at low temperatures, and the recovery amount fluctuates normally with changes in oil unloading volume and oil temperature; Compared with the same period data in previous years, if there is a large deviation, please check the equipment again.
What brand is used for winter oil change of pumps?
Follow the low-temperature adapted oil specified in the random file provided by the pump manufacturer, do not mix it yourself, and record the date and operating hours after changing the oil.
What supporting services does WoHong offer?
Luoyang Wohong Petrochemical Equipment Co., Ltd. provides winter operation guidance and maintenance support for oil and gas recovery units. Contact number: 13526990215, email: lixiang@vohon.cn .
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