HEAT PIPE HEAT EXCHANGER
FAST COMMISSIONING, CAN BE INSTALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF AN EXISTING PROCESS
The structure of the heat pipe is theoretically divided into three parts: the evaporator part at the bottom, the adiabatic part (transportation) in the middle and the condenser part at the top.
Heat pipes are components that can transfer heat via an evaporation and condensation circuit. When heat is applied to one end of the heat pipe, a working fluid evaporates and flows along the adiabatic zone to the condenser, driven by the temperature or pressure gradient. At the condenser, the vapor condenses and releases its latent heat to an external heat sink.
As an external heat sink can be used for example:
- Feedwater
- District heating water
- Combustion air or drying air
- Steam => Steam generator
Different types of working fluids are used in heat pipes, such as distilled water, acetone, ammonia and oils based on the required operating temperature.
Benefits
GAS/AIR
GAS/LIQUID
STEAM GENERATOR
Scalable and customizable
The modular design enables on-site installation even in tight spaces. The structure of the device can take into account a possible increase in the heat transfer surface in the future, or the heat transfer surface of the device can be reduced if the temperature of the flue gases becomes too low, in which case the risk of corrosion increases.
Cleaning and care
Despite the filters, particles and possibly ash are transported into the pipe with the flue gas. We use smooth pipes without ridges, which significantly reduces the accumulation of dirt on the surface of the pipe. Contamination can be prevented during use, e.g. with blowing steam.
During manufacturing downtime, the heat transfer surfaces can be cleaned mechanically (opening doors for the heat transfer surfaces) or by washing the surfaces with dry ice blasting, so that no water enters the flue gas duct and the duct remains dry.
Heat pipe reactivity and size
The heat pipe’s reaction time is fast, even when it’s icy. It does not require preheating during use. Compared to traditional waste heat recovery boilers, heat pipe technology reduces installation space and lowers installation costs. Installations can be made even in tight spaces in the middle of an existing process.
Introduction of the heat pipe
The introduction of the heat pipe heat exchanger is easy. By ensuring the flow of the cold to the heat recovery loop before start-up, the hot side can be used directly at full power.
ALUMINIUM FURNACE
GAS TO AIR – AUTOMOTIVE USA 2008
- Exhaust temp in/out: 400 °C / 266 °C
- Air temp in/out: 30 °C / 293 °C
- Energy recovered: 528 kW
- Exhaust mass flow: 12 000 kg/h
- Air mass flow: 6 374 kg/h
AIR PREHEATER
GAS TO AIR – PETROCHEMICAL PLANT, FREEPORT TEXAS 2016
- Exhaust temp in/out: 360 °C / 142 °C
- Air temp in/out: 26 °C / 254 °C
- Energy recovered: 3 100 kW
- Exhaust mass flow: 48 856 kg/h
- Water mass flow: 49 124 kg/h
GAS PIPELINE COMPRESSOR STATION
GAS TO LIQUID – CANADA 2012
- Exhaust temp in/out: 454 °C / 180 °C
- Water temp in/out: 50 °C / 90 °C
- Energy recovered: 1200 kW
- Exhaust mass flow: 28 567 kg/h
- Water mass flow: 14 470 kg/h
- Exhaust pressure: drop 750 Pa
GAS TO OIL
GAS TO LIQUID – WASTE PROCESSING PLANT, PYROLYSIS UK 2011
- Exhaust temp in/out: 1000 °C / 250 °C
- Water temp in/out: 135 °C / 280 °C
- Energy recovered: 940 kW
- Exhaust mass flow: 4150 kg/h
- Exhaust mass flow: 4150 kg/h
- Exhaust mass flow: 4150 kg/h
STEAMER
FINLAND 2020
- Exhaust temp in/out: 365 °C / 174°C
- Exhaust temp in/out: 365 °C / 174°C
- Vapor out: 182 °C
- Energy recovered: 1230 kW