In the compressor interstage cooling section, operators often find that the heat exchanger outlet temperature gradually rises and the pressure drop increases. These phenomena are mostly related to fouling in the fin channels or uneven fluid distribution. If not handled in time, they will affect the stable operation of the unit. Plate-fin heat exchangers, with their compact structure and capability for simultaneous heat exchange among multiple streams, are applied in space-constrained interstage cooling occasions.
Hydraulic station oil cooling circuits are relatively sensitive to the pressure resistance and pressure drop of heat exchangers. The FHX-30 plate-fin heat exchanger adopts a brazed structure of aluminum fins and partition plates. The design pressure, design temperature, and overall dimensions can be determined through negotiation according to working conditions. In oil cooling circuits, it is recommended to calculate the channel pressure drop based on oil viscosity and flow rate to avoid reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by excessively low flow velocity.
Air separation precooling sections require simultaneous heat exchange of multiple fluid streams, and the installation space is often limited. This type of heat exchanger has a large heat exchange area per unit volume, making it suitable for arrangement in compact precooling units. During selection, the inlet and outlet temperatures, flow rates, and allowable pressure drops of each fluid stream must be clarified in order to determine the fin type and channel arrangement.
In compressor aftercoolers or hydraulic station oil cooling circuits, the heat exchanger outlet temperature and pressure drop changes should be recorded regularly. If the outlet temperature is found to rise continuously or the pressure drop increases significantly, check whether the fin surfaces are fouled and whether the fluid distribution is uniform. The cleaning cycle can be determined according to actual operating conditions and should not be uniformly specified.
