Alfa Laval introduced its new Wide Opening Design plates in its Packinox heat exchangers during the second half of 2018. The new plates increase robustness and operating reliability, while reducing the pressure drop and improving operability.
Reduced pressure drop
The Wide Opening Design heat exchanger plates offer a 50% lower pressure drop over the distribution areas compared to the previous design. This makes it possible to either increase the pressure drop over the heat transfer area of the plates, and thereby increase heat recovery and reduce the size of the heat exchanger, or to lower the overall pressure in the process, which can increase yield in processes such as catalytic reforming and paraxylene production.
Improved operating reliability
Plate bundles with Wide Opening Design plates will have 30% higher mechanical strength and therefore have a higher resistance to thermo-mechanical stress and improved operating reliability. The new design will also offer better performance in case of catalyst or debris migration.
Improved lifting and greater flexibility
The new plates have an improved flow and pressure distribution which improves operability and lifting of the liquid feed in combined feed/effluent applications. This will make it possible for plant operators to run their processes with a lower flow of recycle gas and thereby increase yield.
Thierry Sourp, Managing Director at Alfa Laval Packinox, explains: “With our new Wide Opening Design plates we take a big step towards better performance, greater flexibility and higher operating reliability. Our customers will benefit from higher yield, lower fuel consumption and, in the end, increased profitability,” he says.
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