Graphite block heat exchanger

Posted by Deepak Sheth on March 6th, 2023

Graphite block heat exchangers are suitable for the heating, cooling, evaporation, condensation, and absorption of highly corrosive liquid chemicals. It is one of the most versatile types of impervious graphite heat exchangers. The process and service channels are formed by drilling rows of holes horizontally and vertically through graphite blocks. Heat is transferred by conduction through the impervious graphite left between the rows of holes that separate the media. Graphite block heat exchangers consist of a stack of blocks enclosed in a steel shell.

Why Use Graphite in Heat Exchangers?

Due to its thermal and physical properties, graphite is an excellent heat transfer medium. These are some of its advantages:

  • Exceptional thermal conductivity

  • Easily machined

  • Capable of withstanding system stresses

  • Superior corrosion resistance

  • Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE)

  • High operational safety

  • Long service life

Benefits Of Graphite Block Heat Exchanger

  • High corrosion resistance of Graphilor® 3

  • Compactness

  • Robustness

  • Modular design

  • Easy maintenance

  • Long lifetime

  • Service and maintenance in the US with two strategically located facilities

  • Manufacturing plant in the US

Materials

  • Impervious graphite: GAB GPX1, GPX1T or GPX2

  • Shell, Pressure plates and flanges: carbon steel or stainless steel

  • Tie rods, nuts, bolts, washers, springs: stainless steel

  • PTFE gaskets between the blocks

Design

  • Totally modular design: number of blocks, size of blocks and number of passes can be adjusted

  • Different drilling diameters on process and service sides

  • Maximum block diameter: 900 mm

  • Graphite nozzles on product side

  • Thermal expansion compensation ensured by tie rods and helical springs

Key Features

  • Design pressure: -1 barg (full vacuum) to +10 barg (145 psig)

  • Design temperature: -60 to +200°C (-76 to 392°F)

  • Heat transfer area: up to 163 m2 (1755 ft2)

  • Design:  according to European PED, ASME code, Chinese Pressure Vessel code and other national pressure vessel codes on request

Key Benefits

  • Outstanding corrosion resistance on one side or on both sides

  • Good heat transfer performance thanks to adjustable cross sections on both sides

  • Large transfer areas and comparatively low pressure drop on the product side

  • Easy disassembly and ability to mechanically clean each block

  • Impregnation before machining ensures resin free surfaces

  • Single or double-row drillings on product side

  • High operational safety

  • Sturdy and modular design

  • Short lead time

  • Long lifetime

Optional features

  • Removable headers for easy mechanical cleaning

  • Rubber lined, glass lined or PTFE lined shell for corrosive fluids on shell side

  • Protection against abrasion

  • Sight glass

Main applications

  • Cooling, condensation, heating, evaporation and absorption of ultra-corrosive chemicals

  • Heat transfer between two ultra-corrosive chemicals

  • Best suited for single purpose units

Types of Graphite Heat Exchangers for Corrosive Environments

Graphite heat exchangers are available in many designs and configurations to suit different heat transfer processes. These include:

Shell and Tube Graphite Heat Exchangers

Imperative shell and tube heat exchangers are engineered for superior reliability and longevity. When compared to other graphite heat exchangers, they offer exceptional performance and a low initial cost, resulting in an excellent lifetime return on investment. The large cross-sectional area makes them ideal for low pressure and fouling applications.

Multi-Blox Graphite Heat Exchangers

Our Multi-BloxTM heat exchanger features some of the longest graphite composite blocks in the industry. The design reduces the need for gaskets, eliminates leak paths, and minimises point loading. With a maximum operating pressure of 150 PSIG, they are designed for non-stop service.

Cubic Block Graphite Heat Exchangers

The most efficient cubic block heat exchangers on the market with the highest heat transfer capabilities in the smallest area are available from us. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they are exceptionally durable. They are therefore ideal for interchange service and high-fouling applications.

To find out more about this article, please click here : https://sa179tubes.com/graphite-block-heat-exchanger/ 

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Deepak Sheth

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Deepak Sheth
Joined: July 28th, 2022
Articles Posted: 43

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