Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Analysis of Transfer Line Exchangers

摘要

The CFD tool can be used for design, failure analysis, and troubleshooting of static and rotating equipment. An overview of how the CFD tool is used to evaluate the gas inlet and waterside fluid dynamics of Transfer Line Exchangers (TIE) is provided herein. TLEs are subjected to heavy heat fluxes on the face of the gas inlet tubesheet. Over the last 20 years, the inlet flow rates have increased, but the basic inlet cone design has not changed. In part, this has been due to the residence time limits for the gas as it travels through the inlet section. These higher flow rates have led to problems associated with the gas inlet design. Problems have included coking, stress cracking, and intermittent film boiling on the waterside. These high heat fluxes have also brought to the light of day, any weakness on the waterside design of the TIE relating to the cooling of the inlet tubesheet. This paper addresses the use of CFD to design and troubleshoot the problems associated with TLEs. Case studies will be presented to address several types of failures and solutions using the CFD tool.