While I have been a process engineer for 16 years, I am new to natural gas processing and brazed aluminum heat exchangers (BAHX). I work for a company that uses BAHX in their distillation processes.
I am reviewing the design of a proposed distillation process and had some questions about the relief device scenarios for a BAHX. Specifically, I am trying to find information about the scenario of a leak of the heat exchanger surface. ( By contrast, I can easily find guidelines and calculations for a tube rupture case for a shell and tube exchanger. )
1. Are there guidelines for BAHX that determine if a leak of the heat exchanger surface is a credible scenario?
In the processes I am involved in, the hot and cold streams into the BAHX are chemically similar - there would be no chemical reactions should the hot and cold fluids become mixed. Also, mercury poisoning would not be an issue with our chemicals.
2. If it is a credible scenario, are there any recommended calculations to use?
In most cases, the pressure ratings of the equipment are such that a leak would not cause hazardous over-pressure of downstream equipment, but I already found at 2 pieces of equipment that could be at risk should a leak occur. I am not sure if specifying higher pressure ratings for these pieces of equipment is economically feasible.
Thank you for your help.