Alfa
Laval compact solutions for coolers, heaters, condensers and reboilers
Posted: 05 May 2004
The newly revamped Compabloc series of welded plate heat exchangers
is an Alfa Laval alternative to shell-and-tube installations for
high pressure and high temperature applications (up to 35barg@350°C).
With the use of lazer welding techniques, the new Compablocs are
engineered to be stronger as well as more compact. Changes in the
plate configuration provides more contact points between individual
plates which adds to the structural strength. In fact, a Compabloc
is up to four times as efficient as an equivalent shell & tube
exchanger in terms of heat transfer co-efficient. This fact alone
makes them the sensible alternative to traditional shell & tubes
for most duties in the oil & gas industry.
The Compabloc has been proven in services like crude oil heating,
amine stripper condenser, amine stripper reboiler, lean/rich amine
exchanger, lean/rich glycol exchanger as well as numerous other
important duties.
The Compabloc is built around an inner heat transfer core in which
alternate corrugated heat transfer plates are welded to form channels.
This core, or pack, slides into a carbon steel frame with pressure
retaining plates at the top and bottom. Removable side panels, which
contain fluid inlet and outlet connections and baffles to direct
the fluids back and forth through the channels, complete the structure.
The heat transfer plates can be supplied in stainless steel or exotic
materials, depending on the duty.
Laser welding creates a thinner, more accurate, weld and the heat
input is substantially less than with conventional TIG welding.
Consequently, the plates are less stressed during production and
less prone to fatigue due to temperature cycling in use. Corrugated
patterns in the plate surface not only improve the structural strength
by providing more weld contact points but also reduce the risk of
fouling since they increase turbulence and induce a scrubbing action
in the fluids.
Since the Compabloc is much smaller than conventional exchangers
it is also, by definition, much lighter and lends itself ideally
for retrofit opportunities. These benefits enable process engineers
to consider different design approaches in regards to unit installation
for both new and existing plant. In practical terms, all of this
adds up to significant savings in space and money.
Alfa Laval is a leading global provider of specialized products
and engineered solutions. Our equipment, systems and services are
dedicated to helping customers to optimize the performance of their
processes. Time and time again. We help our customers to heat, cool,
separate and transport products such as oil, water, chemicals, beverages,
foodstuff, starch and pharmaceuticals. Our worldwide organization
works closely with customers in almost 100 countries to help them
stay ahead.
Further more information see www.alfalaval.com
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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