To ensure the safe operation of the thermal piping system, radiant tubes-as core heat-exchange components-must be used with particular caution. During operation, the primary task is to strictly prevent overtemperature and overloading. Whether electric radiant tubes or gas-fired radiant tubes, prolonged operation beyond rated conditions accelerates aging and burn-through of heat-resistant steel castings. At the same time, dry firing must be absolutely avoided; the heating zone must be fully submerged in the medium to prevent tube wall overheating and deformation due to dry burning.
During system start-up, shutdown, and maintenance phases, adequate venting should be performed before the initial water filling to prevent air locks from affecting circulation. Temperature ramping should be carried out in a gradient manner, and rapid cooling is strictly prohibited to avoid thermal stress cracks in cast iron pipes or welded joints. In routine inspections, attention should be paid to the status of control instruments, periodic cleaning of carbon deposits or scale on tube surfaces, and checking for leaks at stainless steel flexible metal hoses and flange connections. In addition, for U‑shaped or W‑shaped radiant tubes, electrode wiring should be periodically swapped and the tubes rotated to even out the temperature distribution along the tube wall and extend service life. Only through full-lifecycle, meticulous management can the long‑term stability and safety of the thermal casting pipeline network be guaranteed.
