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In our Topping unit generally each heat exchanger has one shell inlet and one shell outlet except reboiler exchanger. We have two such exchangers. My question is why those reboilers have two shell inlets and two shell outlets?
 
Answers
09/02/2010 A: Vishnu Ram A S, RIL, vishnu.selvaraj@ril.com
The reboilers in general at least to be provided with enlarged pipeline than the inlet to provide enough room for the vapour expansion. It is because of the nozzle loadings on to the exchanger, the designers provide more than one outlets. Moreover if you need more heat duty, simply one more exchanger will be provided than the expanded capacity exchangers.
Its all because of the ready made designed equipments which costs lesser than the newer design and risk taking as well.
08/02/2010 A: Celso Pajaro, Sulzer Chemtech, celso.pajaro@sulzer.com
Normally shells with two inlets and outlets are used to minimize pressure drop on the shell side.