Spiral heat exchanger solves costly fouling problems
A major US refinery was experiencing severe fouling and plugging problems in two shell-and-tube (S&T) heat exchangers installed to cool desalter effluent using cooling water. In 2008, on Alfa Laval's recommendation, the refinery replaced the two S&Ts with a fouling resistant spiral heat exchanger (SHE). The result exceeded expectations.
DATE 2023-11-28The SHE gives continuous problem-free operation, higher process reliability and more consistent wastewater treatment temperatures than the S&Ts. Best of all, there has been no plugging and, based on savings in maintenance and cleaning costs alone, the payback time was less than 18 months. The on-site engineers were delighted! As one remarked: “I think the technology is great!”
Products
Spiral heat exchanger
In a spiral heat exchanger the spiral flow pattern ensures a continuous, ultra-efficient self-cleaning effect that maximizes uptime and keeps maintenance costs down. A perfect fit for fouling applications, space-saving spiral heat exchangers provide excellent heat transfer and fluid handling characteristics for a wide range of duties in crude oil refineries..
Features and Benefits
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Fully engineered to the needs of every customer
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Self-cleaning effect reduces operating cost
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Low maintenance cost due to easy access
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Higher heat transfer efficiency than in shell-and-tubes
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Unique ability to handle two highly fouling fluids