How to keep your HDD equipment in good condition during winter
Winter has arrived across large parts of Europe. It looks great, but it also brings tough working conditions for both crews and machines. Frost damage can lead to serious costs, and frozen components are often not available off the shelf. Especially in cold wind, the risk is high: filled hoses, pumps, tanks and unprotected valves can freeze and fail quickly. Use the tips below to prevent damage and avoid downtime.
- When running machines, always allow engines to warm up gradually.
- Check tanks for floating ice to prevent blockages or pumps from seizing.
- Open drain valves and make sure they are not blocked.
- Leave ball valves open. A closed ball valve filled with liquid can still freeze and fail, even if the connected pump is empty but the ball itself contains fluid.
- After draining, leave butterfly valves open so they cannot freeze due to residual liquid.
- Disconnect hoses whenever possible.
- Blow fixed pipework through with air. Pay attention to the lowest point in the line. If needed, tilt the machine to ensure pipes are completely empty.
- Manifolds do not always drain fully. Partly or fully fill them with antifreeze to prevent frost damage.
- Leave pump valve covers open or loose.
- Frost expected? Spray machine door locks in advance with lubricant or penetrating oil.
- Spray plastic connectors to prevent them from breaking during coupling and uncoupling.
- Pump grease through grease nipples to force moisture and water out of bearings and moving parts.
- Even thin layers of ice inside hoses can build up once operations restart. Always flush hoses thoroughly before use.
- Using a burner to heat components? Take care. Excessive or localised heat can damage O-rings and seals, cause cracking, fire hazards or paint damage.
Winter conditions increase the risk of frost-related failures in HDD equipment. Consistent preparation, proper draining and controlled warm-up procedures are essential to maintain reliability and minimise downtime during cold-weather operations.
And finally, respect to all professionals working on-site in the cold; your skill and commitment keep projects moving, regardless of the weather!
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