Graphite Heat Exchanger
A Graphite Heat Exchanger is a simple structure that’s easily maintained or repaired. It has great thermal-shock resistance and anti – vibration resistance. Based the heat transfer areas, we will suggest to use the external or internal connection methods for the connection between blocks.
Graphite is a more thermally efficient material of construction, typically using 1/2 to 1/3 the heat transfer area required by a glass unit. Graphite is more robust and can be subjected to greater pressure. Graphite heat exchangers are designed to heat, cool, condensate or evaporate corrosive fluids. The corrosive fluids are in contact only with corrosion resistant materials: PP, PVDF, coated steel. The service fluids (steam, water…) are in contact with carbon steel parts or coated parts. Each graphite heat exchanger is made of one or more blocks. Each block is drilled with two series of channels positionned in parallel planes, in which the fluids are circulated. The process channels and the service channels never cross, allowing perfect tightness between the two sides of the heat exchanger. Each heat exchanger is sized to match each customer’s process requirements and needs. They are designed in compliance with PED 97/23/CE.
Graphite Plate Heat Exchanger Benefits
Multi-Pass Design
Easy Maintenance
Large Transfer Area
Thermal Shock Resistance
Anti-Corrosion
Vibration Resistance
Applications of Graphite Heat Exchanger
Marine Industry
Making waves in the marine industry.
Power Industry
Hydropower in Africa needs heat exchangers.
Mining Industry
Deep mining functions without heat exchangers.
HVAC Industry
Industrial HVAC solutions.
Oil & Gas Industry
From drilling to processing.
Graphite Heat Exchanger in the Marine Industry
Heat exchangers are a kind of thermal machine widely employed on ships of every type, from cruise ships to large commercial ones, where they provide cooling of engines and hydraulic oil, in order to ensure the perfect lubrication and working conditions of each transmission and power system on board.
These heat exchangers can work using sea water, exploiting the cooling temperature offered, but requiring on the other hand special materials to be employed for the construction, such as graphite, a corrosion resistant material in salty seawater, and other issues related to clogging and scaling due to the presence of micro-organisms.
Graphite Heat Exchangers keep engines running efficiently, reduce emissions, recover waste heat and supply fresh water.
Examples of where the Graphite Heat Exchanger makes a difference:
Propulsion Plant: Main propulsion plant consists of different sub system for running of main engine such as the lube oil system, the jacket water system and the fuel system. The generation of energy in these systems produces heat. A graphite heat exchanger controls the temperature in these systems.
Auxiliary Power Generation System: This is similar to the main propulsion system, except that the power is generated in terms of output.
Graphite Heat Exchanger in the Power Industry
Hydroelectric dams are designed to last for a long time to ensure reliable and sustainable energy production with low operating costs.
Nowadays, electric power has become essential, and its production is one of the most critical applications of our societies. Hydroelectric dams must be equipped not only with reliable coolers, but also with coolers designed to minimize the downtime of turbines, generators and transformers.
Therefore efficient and durable Graphite Heat Exchangers are a popular option.
Hydropower is the process of utilizing the mechanical energy of flowing water, transforming it into electrical enegry. The amount of potential energy some stored body of water holds is measured using the height difference between the head race and tail race, known as the hydraulic head. In some countries around the world, hydroelectricity is the main type of electricity that is used.
The role that Graphite Heat Exchangers will play in Africa, like in the Katse Hydro Dam in Lesotho, cannot be underestimated.
Graphite Heat Exchanger in the Mining Industry
Implementing Graphite Heat Exchangers in mining operations can realise significant improvements to service delivery and additional electricity cost savings. Reductions in pumped water volume can be achieved.
Reducing the volume of pumped water holds several benefits for a mine: A decrease in pump wear as a result of decreased through flow and improved settler functioning; Improved mine environmental conditions as a result of a decrease in open water flow in haulages and cross-cuts;
Reduces acid mine drainage and wasteful water consumption;
& Improved electrical load management due to reduced pump running times (off-peak running); and significant electricity cost savings as a result of cascade pumping.
Additionally, the importance of improvement on employee health, safety and production can also be achieved.
The implemetation of Graphite Heat Exchangers provides a cost effective solution which is relatively simple.
Graphite Heat Exchanger in the
HVAC Industry
Planning a cooling system can be a complex task, considering the many factors involved in a successful solution. A graphite Heat Exchanger is used in processes for industrial cooling applications.
Heat flows from areas of high temperature to areas of low temperature, according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The HVAC system is responsible for reversing this natural flow, removing hot air from buildings in the hot summers and placing it in buildings in the cold winters.
Air conditioners remove heat from indoor spaces and transfer it outdoors. One of the major chemicals it relies on for this process is refrigerant.
Refrigerant carries, absorbs and releases heat as it changes from a gas to a liquid and back again during the refrigeration process.
While the entire air conditioning unit could be considered the heat exchanger between the indoor and outdoor spaces, the condenser is the part responsible for heat transfer in the air conditioner.
Graphite Heat Exchanger in the
Oil & Gas Industry
The efficiency of oil or gas drilling operations is critical to well productivity and profitability. Drilling owners, operators and contractors are looking for ways to minimize downtime – along with the consequences and costs. When there’s no room to make mistakes, you need allies to help optimize the drilling performance of your oil and gas wells. On land and offshore, Vitherm SA provides technology, know-how and services that drive your profitability.
The drilling process represents up to 80% of a well’s total cost – and much of that is related to mud. Vitherm SA knowledge and solutions keep mud-related costs to a minimum, while at the same time securing the density, viscosity, chemistry and cleanliness so critical to safe and efficient drilling. That’s why oil and gas producers around the globe rely on Vitherm’s broad portfolio of mud-handling solutions for safe, reliable, cost-effective drilling.
