Modernization of steam exchangers

In the audited company, the heat exchangers worked at very high outside temperatures, which shows that we deal with heat energy losses to the environment (our measurement indicated about 100kW / exchanger).

In addition, the exchangers were old and the internal piping was filled with warmed electrolyte deposits, which caused frequent leaks, while the exchangers required regular servicing.

During the tests, direct measurements of the heat circuit were made, flow and temperature measurements were taken. The temperature behind the exchanger was read from the process control system, the steam power was assessed indirectly by measuring the condensate flow and the temperature on the exchanger discharge tube. Based on these measurements, DBE has developed a heat balance for the heat exchangers.

The auditor suggested that the exchangers be replaced with new units of significantly higher efficiency (according to the manufacturers' declaration, the exchange efficiency is at the level of 82-90%). For the cost-effectiveness analysis of modernization, the exchange efficiency was assumed at 65%, with possible system losses taken into account.

Consequently, the estimation showed that the modernization of steam exchangers would bring average annual reduction in energy consumption of 80,008.176 MWh and would result in savings of USD 2,892,000.00, with expected costs of modernization slightly exceeding USD 1.5 million. The simple payback period of this modernization does not exceed 2 years.