4 replies to this topic

[mbashir79]

Deal all,

we are currently facing problem with condensate stabilization. we are using a water bath condensate heater. We have increased the bath tmeperature to it maximum 200F but it cannot heat up the condensate beyond a certain temperature. ie condenate enter the heater at 100 F and is heated upto 124 F. increasing the bath temperature beyond 200 F only evaporate water from the bath. At this tempaerature our condensate is not getting stabilized. I want to use heating oil in the bath. TEG is an option. Can anyone suggest me what is the best option so that we can go beyond 200 F bath temperature?

[ankur2061]

mbashir79,

Refer the section titled "Oil Bath Indirect Heaters" in the link provided below. This is the alternative, when you are looking for higher process temperatures and water bath heaters are unable to provide the required increase in the process stream outlet temperature. Pure TEG is definitely an option since it's NBP is 287.4°C (549°F).

http://www.kwintl.co...ne-heaters.html

Regards,
Ankur.

[S.AHMAD]

1. The best heating medium is hot water since it has some advantages (e.g cheap)
2. Based on the info given, I strongly propose that you increase the heat exchange surface area.
3. If the above is not possible (Space constraints etc), only then you consider changing the heating medium
4. In problem solving, identify the root cause and solve the problem accordingly.

[mbashir79]

Thx for your reply,

We have no problem with TEG as it is readily available with us but will it work if we use it in a heater designed for water and not for TEG. Is there any damaging effect of TEG on the tube bundle inside the bath heater.

Regards.

[ankur2061]

mabashir,

TEG is hygroscopic which means it has tendency to absorb water. Degradation products can form at high temperatures with TEG which would be corrosive to ordinary carbon steel. In your particualr case, operating temperatures are going to be in the range of 200 to 220°F which should help in preventing short-term degradation of the TEG.

However, the final decision to change from water to TEG should be taken in consultation with the bath heater manufacturer and a corrrosion specialist familiar with TEG degradation mechanism.

One thing although that is puzzling is that how are you going to vent the bath heater of non-condensibles and low boiling organic compounds when you switch to TEG. As long it was water, venting directly to atmosphere through a vent condenser would be an obvious design. If you switch to TEG, you will have to re-design the vent system to prevent venting of the low-boiling organic compounds to atmosphere. This aspect of switching to TEG will have to be carefully studied before you take a decision to switch to TEG.

Regards,
Ankur.