Spiral heat exchanger solves costly fouling problems
A major US refinery was experiencing severe fouling and plugging problems in two shell-and-tube heat exchangers installed to cool desalter effluent using cooling water. In 2008, on Alfa Laval's recommendation, the refinery replaced the two shell-and-tubes with a fouling resistant spiral heat exchanger. The result exceeded expectations.
DATE 2023-11-28The spiral heat exchanger gives continuous problem-free operation, higher process reliability and more consistent wastewater treatment temperatures than the shell-and-tubes. 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!”
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