Gas cooling systems are key to temperature control and thermal efficiency in industrial processes
Efficient temperature management in industrial processes is crucial for thermal performance and process safety. In this context, various technologies stand out for their ability to cool and control the temperature of gases to be correctly treated downstream of the installation. These include tubular air coolers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, air addition and water injection – each designed to address specific thermal management challenges.
Tubular air coolers are crucial devices if you’re trying to reduce the temperature of gas streams when the addition of air to the process gas is not feasible. They operate by exchanging heat between hot gas and a surrounding air stream without mixing the two fluids.
Their main advantages are:
Cooling towers are equipment that cool a stream of gases by adding and evaporating water. The injection of water or water-air comes into contact with the hot gas, allowing part of the heat to dissipate as the water evaporates.
Their main advantages are:
Outlet temperature is more precise compared to air coolers.
Heat exchangers stand out for their ability to take advantage of hot gas calories for the benefit of other processes in the plant. They facilitate efficient heat transfer between the gas and another fluid, contributing to the improvement of overall energy efficiency. This technology is essential to maximize thermal performance and reduce energy waste, making it a strategic choice for sustainability-oriented industrial operations.
The big difference with air coolers and cooling towers is that heat exchangers are very sensitive to working with contaminated gases and are normally installed downstream of the filtration or treatment system.
The controlled addition of air and/or water to the process gas are widely used and effective techniques to control the temperature of the gas streams. Adding air can dilute the hot gas, while injecting water facilitates heat absorption during the evaporation process. These techniques are versatile and adapt to a variety of specific process conditions and requirements.
These technologies are typically more cost-effective than air chillers or cooling towers in applications where the target temperature gradient is low.
They are also technologies used in an emergency to protect equipment from high temperatures.
In conclusion, there are multiple technologies specialised in temperature control and gas cooling. Some are used for operational needs of the process and others to improve the general energy efficiency of the process, where the choice of one or the other will depend on the specific requirements of each process.
Consult us for personalised advice.
SOLUTIONS
PRODUCTS
SERVICES
