New Environmentally Safe Heat Transfer Fluid Improves The Performance of Heaters in Gas Production and Transmission Systems

摘要

Indirect line heaters are used in gas production, storage, andtransmission systems to boost gas temperature in order tofacilitate transmission efficiency and reduce problems fromwater condensation and hydrates. Heat transfer efficiency inthese systems is governed by conduction and convectionforces, which are determined by the thermophysical propertiesof the fluids. An ethylene glycol/water mixture is the mostcommon heat transfer fluid used, but it and propylene glycolsuffer from less than optimal heat transfer efficiency. Glycolshave low thermal conductivities and high viscosities, whichdegrade thermal performance, and they can haveenvironmental and toxicity issues which limit their use insome applications.A novel heat transfer fluid has been developed that offers bothbetter heat transfer efficiency and a safer environmentalprofile than glycol systems. This fluid has individualthermophysical properties that are better than glycol systems,and may provide reduced fuel usage and higher throughput inline heaters. In addition, this new fluid is environmentallysafe, being highly biodegradable if discharged, but having alow oxygen demand, reducing the chance of fish kill. Thefluid is inhibited for prevention of corrosion, can beformulated for low freeze points, and is expected to be readilyserviceable and stable for long life. This paper presents ananalysis of the heat transfer process, a comparison of the novelfluid with glycols, and data from an initial pilot test of thesystem.