distribution across the width of a layer, between layers, and
between blocks in a battery.
Distribution of two-phase streams is especially
important since, as the amount of liquid mixed with the
vapour decreases, the UA required may increase due to
possible changing mixture temperature pinching the cooling
curve of the exchanger. Chart has developed methodologies
for analysing the impact of maldistribution of two-phase
streams, and guidelines for two-phase distributor design.
The company’s BAHX design criterion promotes uniform
distribution. Chart utilises in-house engineering know-how,
experimental test data, commercially defined methodology,
and commercially available software to rate the thermal
performance effect of any potential flow maldistribution. It
also ensures that any flow maldistribution effects on thermal
performance are accounted for in the design process.
The IPSMR process uses best practices to ensure
scale-up of the BAHX package. Chart can match BAHX
capacity to the largest aeroderivative gas turbines available,
making train size a natural fit and an efficient and
cost-effective modular design. BAHXs for the IPSMR process
are always oriented with the cold end down – a preferable
arrangement to prevent cryogenic liquids from flowing to the
warm exchanger surfaces during shutdown. The company
has developed state-of-the-art liquid distribution devices
that are incorporated within the core block for its BAHX
designs. These liquid distribution devices allow the
introduction of MR into the heat exchanger at precise
locations along the heat exchanger to ‘tune’ the boiling
refrigerant cooling curve and provide an efficient and robust
SMR process when utilising a BAHX. Scale-up of the IPSMR
process is easily accomplished with current BAHX
technology.
References
1. The Brazed Aluminum Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger
Manufacturers’ Association, The Standards of
the Brazed Aluminum Plate-Fin Heat Exchanger
Manufacturers’ Association, (2010).
2. Chart Energy & Chemicals, Inc., 'Installation,
Operation and Maintenance Manual for
Chart Brazed Aluminum Heat Exchangers (BAHX) and
Core-in-Kettle
®
Assemblies', (2015).
3. PERRY, et al., Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook,
sixth edition, (1984), pp. 5
–
24.
4. Chart Energy & Chemicals internal fin testing data.
5. Heat Transfer Research Inc. Reports Book 3B,
BK 1 – 2, (1970).
6. Gas Processors Suppliers Association Engineering Data
Book, Vol. 1, 13
th
edition, (2012).
7. DIWAKAR, P. and VALAPPIL, J., Bechtel Oil, Gas
& Chemicals, Inc., ‘Efficient Operation of Vertical
Liquid-Gas Separators’, AIChE Spring Meeting, (2015).
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