There is no drain port on the shell of the horizontal heat exchanger
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Our plant has a horizontal heat exchanger, with water gas flowing through the shell side; the pressure is 10 KG and the temperature is 250 degrees； The pipe system uses cold water, with a pressure of 4 KG and a temperature of 35 degrees. In the shell-side design, the inlet is located directly above the shell while the outlet is directly below it; there is no drain port on the shell. Is this appropriate? I would appreciate the insights of those with more experience.
I think it’s not appropriate; a drainage outlet should be designed on the shell side. If water precipitates in the shell side or if the medium is liquid, a drainage outlet must be provided. Even in cases where the above conditions do not apply, a drainage outlet is still necessary. Since the product needs to undergo pressure testing, usually under water pressure, a drainage outlet is also required for draining water.
It depends on whether the shell side outlet can serve as a means for draining liquid; if it cannot, then a drainage port should still be provided, in my opinion.
The shell-side outlet is right below, which should enable liquid drainage; therefore, there is no need for an additional drainage port.
I quite agree with the opinion of the beautiful lady on the third floor!
If the shell-side outlet is directly below, it can serve as a means for draining liquid; therefore, there is no need for an additional drainage port. If the shell-side outlet is directly above, it cannot be used for draining liquid, so an additional drainage port is necessary. In this case, the shell side outlet is directly below, so there is no need to provide a separate drainage port.
At the very least, a Vent and Drain valve must be installed on the shell side