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 2023-11-28

The 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!”

アルファ・ラバルのスパイラル式熱交換器は、流体による頻繁な汚れ、圧力損失、サイズの問題など、熱伝達に関わる様々な課題に対処することができます。

スパイラル式熱交換器の詳細 

Features and Benefits

  • Fully engineered to the needs of every customer
  • Self-cleaning effect reduces operating cost
  • Low maintenance cost due to easy access
  • Higher heat transfer efficiency than in shell-and-tubes
  • Unique ability to handle two highly fouling fluids