Help: Can a plate condenser be used in negative pressure distillation?
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Our distillation unit seems to have poor cooling performance; it previously had only one condenser (shell-and-tube type), and we are considering installing a plate-type condenser in series – we’re not sure if that will work. Also, list the advantages and disadvantages of the two types of condensers. Additional note: The vacuum is created in the reflux tank
Plate heat exchangers are not recommended; the lower the resistance loss during vacuuming, the better. In the gas phase, it is best for the flow to proceed in a straight line; turning around results in excessive resistance losses
For cooling, chilled water can be used for condensation. It’s possible to install more plate heat exchangers, but issues related to VOC emissions may arise, so this needs further consideration
There are now plate exchangers specifically designed for condensation applications, with low pressure drops as well.
It is not recommended for use as the resistance is too high. Generally, for distillation processes, a two-stage shell-and-tube condenser can be used, and the resistance in that case is not too high either.
What’s the reason for using a plate design? Is it sufficient? ?
Thank you for the suggestions from those above; it was actually just a sudden idea. It’s better to use a shell-and-tube design, as usual
Depending on the operating conditions, I’ve seen shell-and-tube condensers with immersion tubes connected in series, which are placed directly inside the water tank.