Problems encountered in the use of anti-corrosion heat exchangers
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What common problems arise in the field during the use of various types of highly corrosion-resistant heat exchangers, such as graphite heat exchangers, silicon carbide heat exchangers, tantalum heat exchangers, and enamel-coated heat exchangers? Enameled heat exchangers pose a risk of enamel cracking, and their heat exchange efficiency is very poor ； Enameled disc-type condensers are said to leak easily; other topics are welcome for discussion......
In rubber-lined graphite tube heat exchangers, over time bulging of the rubber layer occurs at the location of the head partition, followed by corrosion; this is a normal phenomenon. Compared to other anti-corrosion methods, these exchangers have a relatively long service life, and their maintenance is simple.
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I have been studying heat exchangers for many years, but I don’t know much about graphite heat exchangers; I mainly want to know their disadvantages
We are currently developing polymer-based non-metallic heat exchangers, primarily for use in heat exchange with high-chloride content groundwater (130,000 mg/L) in oil fields; however, the operation temperature is limited to below 90 degrees Celsius, and these exchangers can be used over a long period of time. It can also be used for corrosive low-temperature heat exchange in the petrochemical industry.
I mainly work with silicon carbide. Based on current market analysis, laminated glass is suitable for products that require crystallization and bonding, as well as those prone to clogging (with the exception of hydrofluoric acid, concentrated phosphoric acid, alkali solutions, etc.). Its disadvantages are its low pressure resistance, tendency to crack (which cannot be resolved), and susceptibility to leakage. Graphite: Currently, bulk porous graphite is most commonly used, suitable for sections with low corrosion levels and moderate temperatures and pressures. The disadvantages include susceptibility to certain organic solvents and hydrofluoric acid, a short service life, tendency to clog and be difficult to clean, easy delamination, poor heat exchange efficiency, and leaks that are hard to detect. At present, the main drawback of silicon carbide is its tendency to clog, but it is easy to clean, and its price is slightly high. For sections with high pressure and strong corrosion, silicon carbide is still recommended.
Every type of heat exchanger made from anti-corrosion materials has its limitations as well as aspects that make it irreplaceable
Thank you for sharing. All types of heat exchangers have their own purposes and inevitable shortcomings. As technology advances, new methods will continue to be developed to address these issues. I have also worked with silicon carbide heat exchangers for many years; I have experience with enamel and tantalum materials as well as rubber-lined systems. My main focus has been on corrosion prevention. Please feel free to give me more advice in the future!
Graphite composite tube: It overcomes the drawback of low pressure resistance associated with graphite impregnated tubes; its thinnest wall thickness is 1.25 mm, allowing it to be used in shell-and-tube heat exchangers just like metal tubes, and its thermal conductivity is similar to that of stainless steel.