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How to maintain high-frequency induction heating equipment in winter?

2019-12-05

  How to maintain high-frequency induction heating equipment in winter?

  Dear Yongda Cooling Equipment users, Recently, a strong cold air mass has arrived, causing a sharp drop in temperatures. To ensure your equipment continues to operate smoothly and to prevent the cooling water inside from freezing—which could lead to cracks in the copper pipes and cause inconvenience—we kindly ask you to take necessary freeze-protection measures. Based on years of experience serving our customers, Shenqiu Yongda Cooling Equipment Co., Ltd. has prepared this freeze-prevention notice for your reference. If you require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Here are some effective freeze-proofing measures you can implement:

  1. Keep the water pump running 24 hours a day to ensure continuous flow of cooling water within the equipment, preventing it from freezing.

  2. Drain all water from the equipment (pay special attention to the cooling tower radiator, reactor, and ultrasonic transformer);

  3. Add ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant (alcohol-based flammable products are strictly prohibited). Our company provides the following guidelines; however, the exact amount to add should be determined based on local temperature conditions—please consult your antifreeze supplier for specific recommendations. (We recommend testing the coolant by placing a small sample in your freezer after purchasing it, to help you establish an optimal usage level.) Note that the water in the circulating tank doesn’t need to be excessive—just enough to ensure proper circulation, which will help minimize the amount of antifreeze coolant required. **Important precautions when using ethylene glycol-based coolants:** The information provided above is for reference only. For detailed instructions on safe and effective use, please refer to the product’s official manual or contact the coolant manufacturer directly. Additionally: When temperatures drop below -5°C and the spray pump is shut down, be sure to completely drain all remaining spray water from the system and empty any water left inside the pump itself.

  4. Additional tips: Install a thermal cover on the exterior of the equipment and add three to four electric heating elements, each rated at 100W or higher, inside the unit to provide consistent heat and maintain an internal temperature above 5°C. Note: Before turning on the equipment, carefully inspect both the interior and the cooling water tank for any signs of ice formation. Ensure that the cooling system is fully functional before starting up—failure to do so could lead to severe damage to the equipment’s components!

  Friendly reminder: If your water-cooled unit is installed in a cold, well-ventilated area, even if the equipment operates continuously 24 hours a day, the unit’s cooling coil could still freeze and crack. To prevent this, it’s essential to add an appropriate amount of ethylene glycol to the system. Currently, many equipment users are relying on antifreeze solutions with freezing points below 15°C. However, as colder air approaches—and temperatures drop as low as -20°C—these antifreezes may no longer provide adequate protection, potentially leading to freezing and cracking in your equipment. Please take action promptly by replacing the antifreeze solution before winter sets in. Historical data shows that most cases of water-cooled equipment freezing and cracking over the years have been caused by operators’ complacency and inadequate management practices. Upon receiving this notice, we urge your company’s relevant leaders to promptly assess local temperature conditions and your organization’s specific circumstances, then implement effective anti-freeze measures tailored to your needs.

  What is induction heating?

  The workpiece is placed inside an inductor, which typically consists of a hollow copper tube carrying medium- or high-frequency alternating current (300–300,000 Hz or higher). This setup generates an alternating magnetic field that induces eddy currents within the workpiece—currents that oscillate at the same frequency as the applied AC. These induced currents are unevenly distributed throughout the material: they are strongest near the surface and significantly weaker toward the interior, virtually vanishing at the core. Leveraging this skin effect, the surface of the workpiece can be heated rapidly—reaching temperatures of 800–1000°C within seconds—while the temperature rise in the core remains minimal.

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