Improved Uptime And Throughput Of Demethanizer Low Side Heater

This Tranter Welded Plate Heat Exchanger replaced a continuously failing BAHX unit, sucessfully withstanding thermal shock, thermal cycling and hydraulic shock as a demethanizer low side heater.

Challenge

Find a more reliable substitute for a brazed aluminum heat exchanger as the low side heater (LSH) on the demethanizer column.
Be able to accommodate thermal shock, thermal cycling and hydraulic shock.

Solution

A Tranter Welded Plate Heat Exchanger for the LSH duty, which fit well within footprint of brazed aluminum unit with minimal disruption of pipework.

Results

Performed without damage over several years through incidents that damaged the brazed aluminum units.
Tower controllability has improved, along with a capacity increase of 5.3%.

Case History on a Tranter Welded Plate Heat Exchanger as a low side heater. Download The PDF