Application, Design and Operation Considerations for Brazed Aluminum Heat Exchangers in Liquefied Natural Gas Service

Abstract

Brazed Aluminum Heat Exchangers (BAHX) are commonly used for heat transfer equipment in liquefied natural gas (LNG) services. Specific operational design parameters as well as mechanical design characteristics are critical to consider in the construction and ultimately for the operation of the unit in order to ensure a safe design and successful operation for the facility. The growth and demand for natural gas has been extensive in recent years as clean burning fuels have become more of a priority than coal plants. Due to limited natural gas supplies, many LNG facilities have been considered as a means to provide and meet the consumers’ needs for natural gas. These LNG facilities such as LNG import receiving terminals or LNG Liquefaction Plants have a need for handling cryogenic materials. In these LNG applications, BAHX are an ideal fit for this use and have many advantages as a result of being able to be designed for minimal approach temperatures as well as lower log mean temperature differences (LMTD) than other exchanger types. These parameters are key to the plant’s refrigeration and overall energy loads. Discussed and detailed in this paper will be various uses and applications for BAHX along with design considerations for their use. Details regarding materials of construction, maintenance, and other mechanical aspects will be presented that lead to a safe and reliable means for transferring heat.