Heat is a prominent byproduct of many industrial and manufacturing processes. While thermal energy may be beneficial for some production processes, it can also cause significant damage to sensitive machinery and control systems if improperly regulated.
Most industrial systems have mechanisms in place to dissipate excess heat. A common thermoregulation device used in this regard is the Heat Exchanger. Simply put, this is a device that removes unwanted heat from industrial processes that helps keep production temperatures within optimum ranges.
This article details the benefits of heat exchangers, how these devices work and how they can be effectively applied in various oil and gas production processes.
What is a heat exchanger?
A heat exchanger is a device specially designed to transfer heat between different media. One medium is a process fluid (the temperature of which is to be raised or lowered) and the other is a fluid (that gives or absorbs heat) consisting of a liquid or gas.
Typically, this piece of equipment removes the heat generated by the industrial process and helps to cool it and prevent unrestrained rise in production temperature.
Alternately, a heat exchanger can also be used to heat a production reaction when a higher process temperature is required.
This function of the heat exchanger is less common than its use in industrial refrigeration.
How does a heat exchanger work?
Heat exchangers work by bringing the cooled fluid into close contact with a heated industrial process or piece of equipment such as ovens or heaters. This allows heat to be exchanged between the two media using the principles of thermal conduction of heat.
Heat exchangers work by bringing the cooled fluid into close contact with a heated industrial process or piece of equipment such as ovens or heaters. This allows heat to be exchanged between the two media using the principles of thermal conduction of heat.
Classification of heat exchangers
Industrial heat exchangers can be classified into three broad groups based on:
1 Heat exchange method
2 Physical states of interacting fluids
3 Design and flow pattern of heat exchanger
Heat exchange method
Industrial heat exchangers can be classified depending on how hot and cold fluids interact.
• Direct heat exchangers put both fluids in direct contact with each other within a piping system. Although this method is very effective, it cannot be used in situations where the two fluids might produce a volatile mixture or alter the results of the industrial process.
• Indirect heat exchangers keep cooled and heated fluids separate from each other and heat exchange occurs across a physical barrier.
Uses of heat exchangers in oil and gas
The different types of heat exchangers available play major roles in oil and gas production processes which are listed below:
• Hot oil/heat transfer systems
• Fuel gas conditioning skids platform
• Lube oil systems
• Selective catalytic reduction unit (SCR units)