Which is more cost-effective: steam heating or heat transfer oil heating?
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In the crude benzene refining workshop, there is a thermal power plant belonging to the group company located about 300 meters away. Is it better to use their steam as a heat source, or is it more economical to use heat transfer oil for heating? Steam can maintain 250 degrees and 8 kilograms of pressure. 100 yuan/ton
With such a convenient source of steam available. Personally, I think using steam is more appropriate
If the temperature can be achieved, I also think steam is more economical
Steam at 0.8 MPa cannot reach a temperature of 250 degrees; if it is superheated steam, it poses a danger during use, so it is better to use heat transfer oil for stability.
Using steam is fine; once you start using heat transfer oil, you’ll realize just how troublesome it is. The furnace needs to be repaired, the circulation pump needs fixing, the burner also needs maintenance, there’s a need for dehydration, and fuel oil is required as well… It’s extremely annoying. Also, OP, isn’t your steam price way too low? 100? It’s already 205 per ton here. With steam this cheap, what more is there to think about?
Steam is so cheap, it’s recommended to use it; but is it true that you can reach 250 degrees at a pressure of 8 kilograms?
Using steam is good – it’s safe and has lower costs. However, with a pressure of 8 kilograms, it is difficult to maintain a steam temperature of 250 degrees. You should ask them to supply steam at a pressure of 10 kilograms or higher; a temperature regulator can be used to ensure that the steam temperature remains at 250 degrees, thus meeting the requirements.
A saturation of 4.0 MPa is achieved at 250 degrees. 0.8MPA, 100 pieces per ton – it’s not expensive. I don’t know what is used as fuel for your heat transfer oil. We need to calculate the cost. Heat transfer oil is generally heated by internal coils, and leaks can easily cause contamination.
The heat transfer oil system can be operated by anyone in a cylindrical furnace, but for pressure-type furnaces, the operator must have a furnace operator’s certificate. Steam is so cheap and convenient – why not use it?
To save energy, the furnace needs to operate continuously; if it operates intermittently, significant heat loss occurs each time it is started up or shut down. Heat transfer oil furnaces are more energy-efficient compared to self-built steam boilers, but if there are large furnaces in the vicinity that can supply steam, those larger furnaces are even more energy-efficient. Moreover, the price of the steam supplied to you is not high. Considering convenience, reduced investment costs, and environmental considerations, it is recommended that you use steam supplied from nearby sources.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that the heat transfer coefficient of oil is lower than that of steam. But oil can provide a high heat transfer temperature difference. Other factors such as heat transfer area and operational stability need to be considered comprehensively. Personally, I think steam is more economical and feasible! If steam resources are available nearby, use steam.