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ISSN Online: 2377-424X

ISBN Print: 0-85295-345-3

International Heat Transfer Conference 10
August, 14-18, 1994, Brighton, UK

USE OF WIRE MATRIX INSERTS TO CONTROL HYDROCARBON FOULING: CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

Get access (open in a dialog) DOI: 10.1615/IHTC10.4850
pages 213-218

Abstract

The wire matrix tube insert (HiTRAN® System)*, developed by Cal Gavin originally for the purpose of improving heat transfer in relatively low Reynolds number process applications, has also been shown to be very effective in reducing substantially the extent of fouling from two quite different hydrocarbon streams. Firstly, a system of shell and tube exchangers designed and fitted with matrix inserts and used for heating tar oil streams has now operated for over 10 years with no perceptible loss of performance. Prior to this, a trial exchanger in this service not fitted with inserts, had a run time as low as two months. Secondly, pilot-scale research with light Arabian crude oil containing a waxy residue from a storage tank has shown that the presence of an insert in a heat exchanger tube can reduce substantially the extent of fouling and the effect is not simply one of reducing the surface temperature. It seems that the presence of an insert can also affect transport phenomena in several beneficial ways.

* Matrix Tube Elements are manufactured under patent licence by Cal Gavin Ltd and are marketed under the registered name HiTRAN.