Heat exchangers in the energy industry

ENERGY INDUSTRY HEAT EXCHANGERS FOR ENERGY OPTIMIZATION Heat exchangers are a very important product in the optimization of energy transformation processes, whether in thermal power plants, nuclear power plants or hydroelectric power plants, among others. Let’s dive deeper into the uniqueness of each of these systems below: 1. In thermal power plants, heat exchangers are used to transfer heat generated by fossil fuels such as coal, oil or gas to a fluid such as superheated water or steam. This fluid reaches high pressures and drives a turbine that generates electricity. As the fluid drives the turbine, it cools and we condense it using a new heat exchanger we call a condenser. Once condensed, we reuse the fluid to heat it with fossil combustion and generate energy again. In thermal power plants we could find cogeneration plants which, in addition to producing heat, generate electricity, as well as trigeneration plants, which, in addition to producing heat and electricity, generate refrigeration energy, which means greater energy efficiency and sustainability. 2. In nuclear power plants, heat exchangers are essential to control the temperature of the reactor with the help of a coolant. The heat transfer fluid absorbs the heat and transmits it to a steam generator which will convert the energy into electricity. This coolant, once cooled, will return to the start to start the process over. Beyond this aspect of operation, heat exchangers are also used as a preventive measure in diesel engines with the aim of controlling a possible electrical shutdown. There are many other models of energy generation, all with very particular singularities that we will analyze in other articles. Beyond the explanatory brushstrokes we have made, all projects require in-depth analysis and a highly experienced professional team. If you have any needs, contact us, we are at your disposal. Heat recovery for the energy industry Gas heat recovery Heat recuperator that economizes with the use of exhaust gases from boilers, turbines or combustion engines used for example in cogeneration. More efficiency and less emissions. Counter flow heat exchanger Cross-flow heat exchanger, usually between a stream of fumes or gases and another of air, without them mixing. With a design that is easy to clean and maintain. It is ideal for the energy, oil and gas sector. Steam heat exchanger Coil of tubes designed to convert saturated or wet steam into dry, superheated steam, usually by steam turbines for electricity generation. They can withstand temperatures of up to 950ºC.

Select the materials of a heat exchanger

SELECT THE MATERIALS OF A HEAT EXCHANGER APPLICATIONS COMPATIBILITY TABLE This table has been created to guide you to select the materials of a heat exchanger based on some of the most common environments, fluids, and chemical compounds in various industries. It is essential to keep in mind that the behavior of materials depends on multiple factors such as temperature, pressure, or the concentration of these agents. For this reason, we emphasize the importance of seeking advice by contacting our technical office, who will guide you and provide solutions. Beyond heat exchangers made of copper, aluminum, steel, stainless steel AISI 304, and stainless steel AISI 316, we also want to highlight heat exchangers made of Hastelloy, titanium, cupronickel, stainless steel AISI 309, or stainless steel AISI 310, positioning ourselves as one of the leading specialists in special and demanding applications. Sector Application Component Copper Aluminum Steel AISI304 AISI316 Food Bakery, margarine, hospitality Wheat oil ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Energy Machinery, engines, motor Lubricating oil ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beverage Soft drinks, perfume Amyl acetate ✓ ✓ Textile Dye, perfume Ethyl acetate ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Plastic & pharmaceutical Plastic, fiber, medicine Acetone ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Plastic & textile Drugs, dye, plastic, additive Acetic acid ✓ Chemical Drugs, chemicals Hydrobromic acid ✓ ✓ Food & beverage Soda, effervescent, jelly beans Citric acid ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Food Palm oil substitute Stearic acid ✓ ✓ Textile & paper Dye, paper, skin Formic acid ✓ ✓ Chemical Protection & water treatment Phosphoric acid ✓ ✓ Agriculture Fertilizer, metal Nitric acid ✓ ✓ Food & beverage Olive oil, sunflower oil, cocoa Oleic acid ✓ ✓ ✓ Chemical & petrochemical Fertilizer, oil refining Sulfuric acid ✓ Beverage Wine Tannic acid ✓ Food & beverage Bakery, jelly, confectionery Tartric acid ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Marine Boats, frigates, offshores Seawater ✓ *CurpoNickel is an excellent choice for seawater Textile Fertilizer, coloring, cleaning Ammonia ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Plastic & textile Plastic, drugs, dye, perfume Acetic anhydride ✓ Chemical Resin, herbicide, varnish Aniline ✓ ✓ ✓ Chemical Rubber, lubricant, detergent Benzene ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beverage Beer industry Beer ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Beverage Butter, yogurt, dairy Milk ✓ ✓ ✓ Food Butter, yogurt, dairy Lactic acid Oil & gas Petrochemical products Oil ✓ ✓ *Titanium is an excellent choice for oil Energy Heating and power Natural gas ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Agriculture Fertilizer, hydroponic Potassium sulfate ✓ ✓ ✓ Chemical Paint, varnish Resin ✓ ✓ Food Food supplements Cereals ✓ ✓ Food Food supplements Tanned ✓ ✓ Food Food supplements Yeast ✓ Food Food supplements Cream ✓ ✓ ✓ Food Food supplements Fat acids ✓ HVAC Pool & water treatment Chlorinated water *Titanium is an excellent choice for chlorinated water Purification & recycling Wastewater treatment Urine ✓ ✓ Chemical & pharmaceutical Hygiene Serum ✓ ✓