2 replies to this topic

[kashif khan]

Hello Colleagues,

 

We are currently facing issues in our FCC unit where during peak summer time, the throughput has to be reduced as we have limitations on our overhead coolers / condensers.

 

We have exhausted all the available options such as increasing the fan rpm's and adjusting the fan blade pitch to improve air flow through fans, increasing heat transfer area by installing fins but we are still not able to achieve the target.

 

We have some suggestions such as, 

 

1. Installation of chiller to further reduce the cooling water inlet temperature to the condensers.

2. Install addition O/H coolers (will take time and currently we are looking for a quick fix for the time being)

3. Install new motors for O/H coolers (Same time constraint as above)

 

Does anyone have any experience with chiller installation at outlet of cooling tower?

 

Can you please advise some other suggestions? Of course at this time we are only looking for some suggestions which will be assessed in all details before implementing.

 

Many Thanks and Best regards,

 

Kashif

 

[muthukmaar]

We too are facing similar problem in our plant. However we are forced to operate at higher energy levels.
Looking forward for suggestions

[thorium90]

Do you have more details of the cooler?  Its a fin fan cooler right?

Its a forced draft fan?

Might I suggest evaporative cooling? Spray a fine mist at the fan inlet.

I have also been evaluating replacing the current fin fan coolers with wet surface air coolers. The study looks good so far. The water supply will be either seawater or recycled water from within the refinery.

Edited by thorium90, 20 May 2019 - 08:32 AM.