INDIRECT HEATERS DESIGN MANUAL BY C. RICHARD SIVALLS, P.E. SIVALLS, INC. BOX 2792 ODESSA, TEXAS 79760 Revised 2/67 Price $5.00,Odessa, Texan 19760 INDIRECT HEATERS DESIGN MANUAL, TABLE OF CONTENTS Technical Bulletin No. 113 - Indirect Heaters - Design and Sizing Page General Theory and Equipment Description 1-3 Indirect Heater Design & Sizing 3-10 Example Problems Ll - 16 Design Charts Figure 1 & 1A, Pressure - Temperature - Enthalphy 17 - 18 Figure 2 - leat Required for Natural Cas 19 Figure 3. - Overall Film Coefficients, Natural Gas 20 Figure 3A - Overall Film Coefficients, Water 21 Figure 3B - Overall Film Coefficients, Oil 22 Figure 4 - Log Mean Temperature Difference 23 Figure 5 - Pressure Drop in Coils, Natural Gas 2% Figure 6 - Composite Heater Design Chart 25 Equipment Drawings & Specifications Figure 7A & 7B - Indirect eater Drawings 26 - 27 Table 1 - Coil Working Pressures a Table 2 = Coil Flow Rate 29. Table 3 - Properties of Steel Pipe in Coils 30 Table 4 - Properties of Cast Iron Pipe in Coils 30 Table 5 - Specifications of Indirect lleaters with Steel Pipe Coils aL Table 6 - Specifications of Indirect Heaters vith Cast Iron Coils 32 Table 7 - Specifications of Indirect tleaters with 10,000 psi coils 32 Table 8 - Water Bath Volumes of Indirect Heaters 33 Table 9 - Feeezing Temperatures of water/Glycol Mixtures 33 Technical Dulletin No. 130 - Indirect Heaters - Choke Location Theory and Text L-3 Example Charts 4-6UE, nit Glaus oC » February 1, 1987 . SECTION: 500 TECHNICAL BULLETIN No. 113, Revision 7 INDIRECT HEATERS - DESIGN AND STZING GENERAL , Indirect Water Bach Heaters have useful application for both natural gas and oil end water emulsion streams. They may be used at vellheads, in flow lines, tack batteries, nd refineries. Indirect heaters may be readily sized from standard models for specific applications by.using the procedures discussed in this bulle- tin, along with the associated charts and tables. GAS STREAMS A elor Problem vhich occurs in the handling and transporting of natural gas is the formation of hydrates which will plug lines and equipment. For specific cone ditions of temperature and pressure, hydrates will form in natural ges streane (see hydrate formation curves on Figures 1 and 1A). These hydrates consist of a joose association of water and liquid hydrocarbons present in che gas streame which collect to form solid particles. These particles usually collect in any convenient restriction or obstruction in a gas pipeline such ac valves, drips, return bends, gibows, et cetera,-and will eventually form 2 large enough nass to block the gas flow. A collection of these hydrates often resembles ice in appearance and hee caused the term "freezing up" to be used, However, hydrates will form in ges Streams for most flowing pressures encountered at temperatures well above 32°F, High pressure natural ges is produced from the wellhead at usually sone pressure in excess of the sales or transmission line operating pressure. It is therefore Recessaty to reduce this pressure before the gas enters the line. This pressure reduction may be easily accomplished by expanding the gas through a small orifice Chretctane ig expansion of natural gas in a choke follows the Joule-Thompeon or ehrottling effect which 4s an irreversible adiabatic process. Briefly, this 1¢ a Process where the heat content of the gas remains the same across the choke (con- stant enthalpy), but the pressure and temperature of the gas is reduced. This reduerion in temperature is the cause of the hydrate problee. If the reduced ven perature after choking is below the hydrate formation temperature for the lige eee ere poten hydrates will tend to form downstrean fron the choke. However, if the temperature of the gas is reised by heating in an indirect heater and then che pressure reduced by expansion through a choke, the final reduced temperature will be above the hydrate formation temperature and no problem will be encountered. = aidirect heaters are also used on gas transmission Lines where the ground teapera- RXTE Bay crop below the hydrate foruation temperature of the gas at the line pres~ gure. Gas flowing in buried lines will rapidly approach the ground teaperature, de may then be necessary to place indirect heaters along the pipeline to periodically reheat the gas se that it will remain above the hydrate temperature at all tines,Box 2792 Odessa, Texas 79760 OIL AND WATER STREAMS: Indirect heaters are often used in conjunction with gunbarrel- settling tanks to heat pressure oil and/or water emulsion streams to aid in separation of the oil and water. They are also sometimes placed in flow lines ahead of free water knockouts to raise the temperature of the fluid streams to assist in the settling of the free water and oil within the vessel. Since the oil and water emulsion streams are generally of @ corrosive nature, these heaters are general- ly constructed using cast iron coils instead of steel. For a more detailed discussion on crude oil systems see Technical Bulletin No. 133. HEATER CONSTRUCTLON, ‘The standard horizontal oilfield indirect water bath type heater consists of a cylindrical atmospheric pressure shell with @ direct fired firetube in the lower portion of the shell and a pipe coil in the top (See Figure 7). Although the basic design is the same, many configurations of pipe coils are available for indirect heaters. The size, weight and number of tubes in ¢ coil will vary with the specific requiremente of the heater. Table 5 and 6 in the Appendix list the specifications of stendard size indirect heaters as vell as the various tube coils available with each basic BTU/hr rating. Table 3 and 4 list the pro- perties of the steel pipe and cast iron pipe used in indirect heater coils. Teble 7 liste the specifications for indirect heaters designed for use with 10,000 pei W-P. steel coils for extremely high pressure gas streams. The standard heater specifications do not indicate the placement of the choke on the heater as would be required for wellhead use. A single pass coil with the pressure reducing choke on the outlet is generally recommended. Sometimes it is desirable to heat the gas, expand it through a choke, and then reheat the ges to a higher temperature to further prevent hydrate formation dovnstream in the line or equipment. This can easily be done in a single heater by using a split pass coil, i.e., putting the choke between two coils. Generally, a long nose heater choke is used with the seat of the choke immersed in the water bath portion of the heater to further assisc in hydrate prevention directly at the choke. Another type of heater configuration is to use one heater to heat two or more separate well streams by placing separate coils in the same vater bath. This type of heater ie also referred to as a split psss heater. It may be easily sized by considering each pass as a separate heater and then combining the re- quirements for firebox and coil area to arrive at the indirect heater size re~ quired. “Another method is to put the choke on the coil inlet or rear the inlet after only 2 few tubes preheat. This is not recommended because in actual cases freezing of the choke will occur. Not enough heat can be put into the gas to keep the temperature from dropping far below the hydrate temperature inmediately downstream from the choke. This can happen even if long nose chokes are uced. For a further discussion and illustretions on the recommended placement of chokes in heater coils refer té Technical Bulletin No. 130 on "Indirect Heater Operation."aS ca WP Box 2792" Odense, Texas 79760 INDIRECT HEATER SIZING: Indirect Heaters for wellhead or flow line installations may be sized from standard models by using the following procedures. ‘There are two main items that must be determined to select an indirect heater end they are the total heat required (BTU/hr) to raise the temperature of the fluid and the amount of heat transfer coil area required (sq ft). Before the heat and coil required can be determined the following information must be available on the fluid stream to be heated. A. High Pressure Gas Streans 1. Gas flow rate, MMSCFD 2. Specific gravity of gas 3. Inlet flowing pressure, psig 4. Inlet temperature, °F 5. Shut-in pressure Or maximum vorking pressure, psig 6. Outlet reduced or choke pressure, psig 7. Qutlet temperature required, °F 8. Flow line eize and length Low Pressure O11 and Water Streams 1, Totel flow rate, bbls per dey 2. Percent water in the fluid strean 3. Inlet temperature, °F 4. Outlet temperature required, °F 5. Operating pressure, psig 6. Maximum working pressure, psig 7. O41 gravity, ‘APL 8. Specific gravity of water Some of the above items may not be required for a specific installation depend- ing upon the use of the indirect heater. Before any calculations cen be mede, & tube size must be selected. This can be done for high pressure gas streans using Tables 1 and 2. These cables have been extracted in part from API Stan- dard 12K, "API Specifications for Indirect Type Oilfield Heaters." With the inlet gas flowing pressure, the well shut-in or maximum working pressure, and che daily flow rate, ¢ tude size can be selected. If the choke is to be mounted on the coil outlet or in a split pass coii, the vell shut-in pressure should be used in determining the tue weight required in the heater. However, the flou- ing pressure is used in determining the meximum coil size for a recommended gat thrupst. The maximum gas thruputs Listed in the table are not the maximum that can be put through the tube coil, but this is what is recommended by the API Standard. Another factor vhich may have a bearing on the tube size used is the pressure drop in the coil. However, if a choke is being used to reduce the gas pressure downstream from the heater by at least several hundred psi, es is usually the case, then @ small pressure @rop of 5 to 20 psi in the coil is of no consequence.~ . We 20x 2792 Odessa, Texas 79760 The pressure drop can be determined for the heater selected if desired by the procedure described in a folloving section. If the heater is to be used for reheating gas in 2 transmission line then the pressure drop is of major impor- tance to maintain line efficiency and should be considered in selecting the tube size. BASIC HEAT TRANSFER EQUATIO! The basic heat transfer equation that is used in indirect heating sizing is as follows: Q = Up (A) (Tp) or A= _Q te Where Q = Total heat transfer (heat required), BTU/hr Ug = Overall film coefficient, BTU/hr - sq ft °F A’ = Total heat transfer area (coil area), sq ft Ta = Log mean tenperature difference, °F HEAT REQUIRED For high pressure gas streams, the heat required may be determined from Figur 1, 1A, and 2. Figure 1 or 1A is used to determine the outlet gas temperature required (if not given) based on specific gravity and the enthalpy difference of the gas between the inlet and outlet conditions. In the case of wellhead heaters this is the outlet gas temperature before choking. A 5 to 10°F increase in out~ let gas temperature can be allowed to give a safety factor to keep the gas slightly above the hydrate formation temperature efter choking. Figure 2 is used with the enthalpy difference and the gas flov rate to determine the heat input required to the gas stream. ‘The heat input can also be calculated from the following equation: Q = 109.9 (G) (hy - by) Where: Q = Heat required, BTU/hr 6 = Gas flow rate, MMSGFD hz - hy = Enthalpy difference, BTU/Lb-mol For low pressure cil and/or water liquid streams the heat required may be determined fron the folloving equation: Q > W (6.25 + 6/33K) (72 - 1) Where: Q = Heat required, ETU/hr W = Total liquid flow rate, bbl/day X = Percent water in liquid Tz = Outlet temperature, °F T, = Inlet temperature, °F OVERALL FILM COEFFICIENT: ‘ The overall film or heat transfer coefficient for high pressure ges streams may be found from Figure 3 using the gas flow rate and tube size selected. The overeli film or heat trensfer coefficient for water may be found from Figure 3A, and the coefficient for oil may be found on Figure 33, based onBox 2782 Odeasa, Texas 79760 liquid flow rate and tube size. For liquid stregms that are a mixture of oil and water the overall coefficient may be averaged and calculated as fol- lows: Up (mix) = Uy (oi1) + [Up (water) - Up (oil) ] GO Where: X= Percent of water in liquid mixture These £ilm or heat transfer coefficients are based on clean tubes; in other words, no allowance is made for any fouling factors. Lf any fouling is to be expected excess coil ares should be allowed in the heater selection. LOG MEAN TEMPERATURE DIFFERENC ty = CTD = LTD Loge GTD/LTD Where: Tp = Log mean temperature difference, °F CTD = Greater temperature difference = water bath temperature-inlet fluid temperature LID = Least temperature difference = water bath femperature-outlet fluid temperature, °F 4 water bath temperature must be assumed for the calculations. Usually 180°F is the maximum designed temperature recommended for indirect water bath heaters. GOTL AREA The coil area required for en indirect heater can be calculated from the basic beat transfer equation after all of the above factors have been determined. An indirect heater may be then selected from the standard models listed in Tables 5, 6 or 7 based on the heat required and the coil area required. A heater should be selected which has a firebox rating and a coil area at least equal to or preferably slightly greater than that calculated. It must be noted that the heat required as determined from Figure 2 is only the heat input required to the gas stream. No provision is made for heat loss from the vessel which is usually small compared to the heat input in this chart. Since coil area calcu- lations are generelly based on 180°F water bath temperature and clean tubes, the coil area caleuiated will be the minimun required. By selecting o heater with a larger heat capacity and coil area than chat calculated, sufficient excess vill be provided to allow for heat loss from che vessel, any fouling that may oceur within the tuber, and will ellow the heater to be operated at less than the maxim deségn water buth temperature. COLL WORKING PRESSURE: (pp 6) tt PD + Cor P= 28¢t gre) BS + PH D- 2¥Cpc) th tn or ty = ty (0-875) 0.375 Where: P = Maximum internel pressure, psig D = Outside diameter of pipe, in. @ = Inside diameter of pipe, in.N oe Is Wn P2702 Odenen, Texas 79760 Oe Allowable stress, -20 to 250°F, psi S = 20,000 for A~53B, A-106B, API-5L~B seamless pipe S = 23,300 for A~106C seamless pipe ty ~ Minimum design wall thickness, in. ty = Nominal desigh wall thickness, in. © = Corrosion allowance plus thread depth if applicable, in. Y = Temperature coefficient = 0.4 when ty ¢ D when t, 2D then Y= _d_ -6 a PRESSURE DROP IN COILS: ‘The pressure drop in high pressure gas coils, not including eny choking, may be determined from Figure 5 and the following equations: P2= [pe = cr? = p2*) ip ] ue 100 AP = PL - Py , Where: AP = Pressure drop, peia P] = Inlet pressure, psia Py * Outlet pressure, psia Le = Effective length of pipe from Table 5 or 7, ft. (p12 - Pp?) = Pressure drop factor from Figure 5 HEAT LOSS IN TRANSMISSTON LINES: It is sometimes necessary to calculate the heat loss in gas transmission lines or flow lines and the length of line in which it occurs in order to determine the spacing and size required for indirect heaters to prevent hydrate formation and freezing of the lines. The sizing and placement of these indirect heaters can be determined ty the same precedures as described above, by a rearrangement of the basic heat cransfer equation. First the following information is neces- sary on the gas stream and pipeline. 1. Gas flow rate, MHSCYD 2. Specific gravity of the gas 3. Initial temperature of rhe gas entering the line, °F Generalized minimim ground temperatures at a depth of 18" for various locations in the Mid-Continent area are as follows:x Wn 22x 2792 Odessa, Texas 79760 1. Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas: 50 to 60°F 2. Upper Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana-------—- 50 to 55°F 3. Permian Basin, East Texas, Northern Louisiana--- 45°F 4. Hugoton, Panhandle of Oklahoma and Texas-—------ 25 to 30°F Using the curves on Figures 1 or 1A the hydrate formation temperature at the line Pressure can be located. The gis can be allowed to cool down to this temperature by heat loss to the ground but no lower or hydrates will form in the line. The total heat loss may be determined from Figures 1 or 1A and 2? in the same nanner as heat required for wellhead heaters. The log mean temperature difference may be determined from Figure 4 as previously described using the minimum ground temper- ature as the constant temperature. The outside surface area of the pipe per foot of length may be determined from Table 3. The following form of the heat transfer equation can then be solved to determine the length of line in which the gas will drop to the minimum desired temperature. The gas can then be reheated to any desired temperature in an indirect heater and the procedure calculated again to determine the spacing for the next heater. These conditions may be evaluated along the entire length of a transmission line to determine the heater spacing and sizes. Q= Vo G) (a) (Tm) or Le __Q@ Uo (a) Gm) Where: _Q= Heat required or heat loss, BTU/hr Uo = Overall film coefficient, BTU/hr ~ sq ft - °F Uo = 2.0 for dare pipe Up = 1.0 for doped and wrapped pipe L = Length of line, ft a = Surface area of pipe, sq ft/ft Tp = Log mean temperature difference, °F GID = Inlet tenperature of gas-minimun ground temperature, °F LID = Outlet temperature of ges-mininur ground temperature, °F GAS STREAMS ~ EFFECT OF FREE LTQUT! The above described procedures for sizing indirect heaters for natural gas streams do not take into account the effect of any free liguid that may be presenc in the ges stream. Any free liquid present in the gas stream will materially add tc the heat load required, since ir too must de heated up to the same tenpsreture as the ges is heated. This additional heat required can be added to tho heat required for the gas in determining the tctal heat required for the indirect heater. However, in the case of wellhead heaters this free liquid offers a benefit, which in most cases, will cancel out the necessary increase in heat input required. The liquid vill pass through the choke without any drop in tempereture since it does not follow the same Joule-Thompson effect as the gas. Inmediately downstream of the choke the liquid at the increased temperature will combine with the cold gas coming through the choke and they will both seek the same combined temperature,als a UV Box 7092 denen, Texan 70760 This will raise the outlet temperature of the gas downstream of the choke and further aid in prevention of hydrates. The combined stream temperature down- stream of the choke can be calculated by 2 material heat balance which is pre- sented in the following equation. Te = 14.6 (L) (Cr) (Gy) (Ty) + 3185 (Cg) (Cg) (tg) Hies Gq) (Gg) 14.6 @) GL) Where: Te * Combined finel stream temperature, °F L = Liquid loading, bb1/MMCF CL = Specific heat of liquid, BTU/1b-°F Cg = Specific head of gas, BTU/1b-°F Gg = Specific gravity of gas Ty = Temperature of liquid thru choke, °F Tg = Dry gas temperature downstream of choke, °F ‘The effect of high liquid loadings in the gas stream should be examined as it will materially decrease the anount of heat required for the gas stream prior to choking, since the combined outlet ges temperature from the choke will be higher than would be predicted for a dry ges strean. However, the heat input required to the stream ahead of the choke will be increased, since the liquid must also be heated along with the gas. However, for normal gas condensate vells where the produced liquid is 20 barrels per MMCF or less, this liquid will have very little effect on the gas stream and the heater may be sized as if there were no liquid present. Calculations of the above material heat balance procedure indicate that the outlet combined liquid-gas temperature downstream of the choke will be approxi~ mately 1 to 2°F higher than would be expected from dry gas per each 5 barrels per MICF liquid in the gas stream. ' RAPID SIZING CHART FOR NATURAL GAS INDIRECT HEATER: Indirect Heaters for heating natural gas streams prior to choking (pressure reduc~ tion to pipeline pressure) to prevent hydrate formation may be readily sized by using the chart in Figure 6. The use of this chart can be best explained by an example. (The following example is worked out on the sizing chart by the dotted lines.) Ges Condition: Gas Flow Rate = 1.0 ¥MSCFD Gas Specific Gravity = 0.7* Inlet Pressure = 2500 psi Choke Pressure (Line Pressure) = 750 psi Required: Determine the heat transfer required (BTU/hr) and the coil area required (sq ft) in order to select 2 standard size heater to use. eTAssumptions: Cod) Size = 2" x-lvy steel pipe Waver Bath Temperature = 180°F (Good for all heater sizing) Inlet Ges Temperature at or near the hydrate temperature for the inlet Pressure. s Solution: L 5 } 2. 3. » ‘a 5 6. Determine the final gas temperature required before choking from the smell graph inset on Figure 6, Use the inlet gas pressure (2500 psi) and the choke pressure (750 psi). Outlet Temperature Required = 140°F Read the inlet ‘tenpereture (tydrate temperature) of che gas, opposite the inlet pressure, on the left hand side of the sizing chart. Inlet Temperature = 73°F Determine the average temperature difference between the gas and the water bath by the following equation: Average Temperature Difference = (Tp ~ Ti) + (Tb - Tp) ———_e. Where: 1) = Temperature of Water Bath, T1 = Inlet Cas Temperature, °F To = Outlet Gas Temperature, Average Temperature Difference = (180-73) + (160-140) = 73.5°F Determine the heat transfer required by reading right from the inlet Pressure (2500 psi), to the choke pressure (750 psi), up to the ges flow rate (1-0 MMCFD), then right to the heat required Heat Required = 110,000 BTU/hr To determine the coil area required, start at the bottom of the chart at the gas flow rate (1.0 MMCED), read up to the coil size (2"), right fo the average temperature difference (73.5°F), then up to intersect a }ine extended from the heat required. Extend up parallel to the guide- Hines from this intersection to read the coil area required. Coil Area Required = 25 sq Et Select a standard size indirect heater om Table 5 with at least a 320,000 BIU/hr firebox rating snd a 2" X-Hvy steel pipe coil vich ot least 25 sq ft of coil area.nD Wav erasoy aeree TWH 2087792 Oceana, Texan 70760 a ns Model Recommended ~ 30" x 6" : Firebox Rating - 250,000 BTU/hr Coil Area & Size - 8 - 2" X-Hvy Tubes, 28.9 sq fr The heat required and coil area required as determined from this chart are the minimum requirements based on the inlet gas at or near the hydrate temperature and the outlet gas after choking at or near the hydrate temperature. By selecting a standard size indirect heater with slightly more firebox and coil required, there will be sufficient excess capacity to raise the outlet gas temperature above the hydrate tempera- ture, Also, the inlet gas temperature may be higher than the hydrate temperature which will reduce requirements as determined from the chart. whe gas specific gravity is held constant on the sizing chart at 0.7. The indirect heater sizing will not be appreciably affected if the ges specific gravity varies from 0.6 to 0.8. FREEZING OF WATER BATHS To prevent freezing of the water baths in indirect heaters when the vent is not to be turned on, glycol may be added to the water bath solution. Ethylene glycol is usually used since it has a lower freezing point than the other glycols. The approximate freezing point of ethylene glycol-water solutions for various concen— trations of glycol is shown in Table 9, To determine the amount of glycol necessary to prevent freezing, multiply the desired concentration selected from Table 9 by the water bath volume of the heater as shown in Table 8 CONCLUSION: The above described sizing procedures and accompanying charts and tables offer an accurate method for sizing standard indirect heaters for natural gas or liquid service. Of course, the charts or equations can be used in any reverse manner for evaluating and determining the capacity or performance of existing equipment. The following examples will further illustrate the precise manner ‘and methods to be used in sizing indirect heaters.“ Wo Boerne EXAMPLE PRCZLEMS Example 1: Size an indirect heater for wellhead use with a single pass coil and ‘a choke on the coil outlet. The following conditions are given. Gas Flow Rate: 3.0 MMSCFD Gas Sp Gr: 0.7 Inlet Flowing Pressure: 200 psi Line Pressure: 750 psi Well Shut-in Pressure: 3000 psi From Table 1,.for a maximum coil working pressure of 3000 psi, a 2" X-Hvy pipe coil should be used with a maximum of 3372 psi W.P. Since no inlet temperature was knoun, it can be assumed to be at the hydrate temperature for the flowing pressure. From Figure 1 (for 0.7 sp gr). Inlet temperature (hydrate temperature) for 2000 psi = 71°F Hydrate temperature for 750 psi = 61°F Outlet temperature required to choke 2000 psi to 750 psi so that the temperature will be 61°F = 125°F (Vertical line from inlet point to intersect horizontal line from outlet point) Enthalpy difference between 2000 psi at 71°F and 2000 psi at 125°F = 900 BIU/1b-nol From Figure 2, for an enthalpy difference of 900 BIU/1b-mol and a flow rate of 3.0 MASCED. Heat required Q = 300,000 BTU/hr From Figure 3, for a flow rate of 3.0 MMSCFD and a 2" X-vy pipe coil; Uo = 94 BTU/hr sq ft -"F From Figure 4, assuming a water bath temperature of 100°F for design conditions. CTD = Water tenperature - inlet gas temperature = 180-71 = 109°F LID = Water tenperature - outlet gas temperature = 180-125 = 55°F Tm = 80°F Solving the heat transfer equation for the coil area required. A> __Q_ = _300,000 = 39.9 sq ft Uefa) (94) (80) Fron Table 5, select a standard size indirect heater. Size: 30" x 10" Firebox Rating: 500,000 BTU/hr (300,000 BTU/hr required) Type and Coil Size: |8 = 2" X-Rvy tubes Coit Area: 48.8 sq ft (39.9 sq ft required)wy ae Pq bexz002 Oo Example 2: Size an indirect heater for wellhead use given the sane flowing con- ditions as in Example 1, except with a split pass coil using a long nose heater choke, The choke will be installed with most of the coil upstream of the choke and tuo tubes downstream. This type of problem may be solved exactly as Example 1 with a single pass coil However, in this problem a small portion of the required coil area will be down- stream of the choke instead of all being upstream as in Example 1. This will mean the gas temperature may drop slightly below hydrate downstream of the choke, but will be reheated in the expansion portion of the coil to arrive at the sane outlet temperature from the heater as in Example 1, This small drop in temperature below hydrate can be tolerated by using a long nose heater choke in the splic pass coil. Example 3: Size an indirect heater with a split pass coil using the sane flowing conditions as in Exauple 1. However, the gas temperature must leave the heater et 120°F to prevent hydrate formation downstream of the heater. Gas Flow Rate: 3.0 MMSCED Inlet Flowing Pressure: 2000 psi Inlet Flowing Temperature: 71°F (assumed at hydrate for the flowing pressure as in Example 1) Line Pressure: 750 psi Outlet required Temperature: 120°F Well Shut-in Pressure: 3000 psi This heater cen be sized as two separate heaters ané then the coil and heat require~ ments combined to select 2 single heater with a split pass coil. Coil No. 1 Coil No. 2 Preheat Expansion (upstream of choke) (downstream of choke) Required working pressure, psi 3000 750 From Table 1: . Tube size required 2" XeRvyt From Figure 1 and given data: Flow pressure, psig 2000 730 Inlet temperature, °F ? 61 Outlet temperature, °F 125 120 Enthalpy difference, BTU/1b-mol 900 750 From Figure 2 and given data: Gas flow race, MMSCFD 3.0 3.0 Heat required, BTU/hr * 300,000 240,000 Fron Figure 3: Uo, BTU/hr-sq ft 94 34Ms Wg 0x 2782 Odessa, Texas 79760 From Figure 4 with 180°F water bath: cD 180-71 = 109 180-61 = 119 LD 180-125 = 55 180-120 = 60 T™ 80 85 Heat transfer equation: A=_Q , sqft 300,000 = 39.9 240,000 = 30.0 Uo Tm 94 (60) 96 (85) Total heat required Q = 300,000 + 240,000 = $40,000 BTU/nr Total coil area required A= 39.9 + 30.0 = 69.9 sq ft Care must be taken in selecting a heater with a split pass coil. The total nunber of tubes can only be split in even numbers as both inlets and outlets must be on the same end of the heater. The total coil area available in a heater can be spli percentage wise with the number of cubes in each pass and checked with the area required. From Table 5: Heater Size: 36" x 10" Firebox Rating: 750,000 BTU/hr Coil Data: 14 ~ 2" X-Rvy tubes split 8/6 Coil Area: 85.3 sq ft total Split Areas: 48.7 sq £t/36.6 sq fc *The 2" X-Hvy tubes are not actually required for the line pressure in the expansi coil but the type tubes used in small heaters are usually kept the same throughout This provides 2 more versatile heater which may be used for other applications at little extra initial cost. Example 4: Size an indirect heater for three separate well streams, each co have a choke on the coil outlet. Well No.1 Well No Well Wo. 3 Given data: Gas flow rate, MMSCFD 2.0 4.0 9.0 Gas sp gr 0.6 0.7 0.6 Flowing pressure, psig 4500 4000 3500 Inlet temperature, °F 80 85 30 Shut-in pressure, psig 5090 5100 5350 Line Pressure, psig 1000 1000 1006 From Table 1: Coil size and weight 2" XHvy 2" Eki 2" Hy From Figure 1: Inlet temperature °F 80 8 90 Inlet pressure, psig 4500 4000 3500 Outlet temperature required before choking, °F 150 155 140 Enthalpy difference, BTU/Lb-mol 925 1025 700Si, cate “saan From Figure 2: Heat required, BTU/hr 310,000 450,000 700,000 From Figure 3: * Uo, BTU/hr - sq ft - °F 98 106 125 From Figure 4 with 180°F water bath: crD 100 95 30 LTD 30 25, 40 Tm 58 53 63 Heat transfer equation: AQ, sqft 53.6 80.0 88.9 Vo (Tad Total heat required, Q = 310,000 + 450,000 + 700,000 = 1,460,000 BIU/hr Total coil area required, A = 53.6 + 80.1 + 88.9 = 222.6 sq ft From Table Heater Size: 72" x 12! Firebox Rating: 2,000,000 B1U/nr Coil Data: 38 - 2! xx-Hvy tubes split 8/14/16 Coil Area: 278.0 sq ft total Split Areas: 58.5 sq £t/102.4 sq ft/117.1 sq ft Example 5: Given the following data on 2 well stream leaving an indirect heater, determine where down the line, another heater should be placed and the size required. Gas Flow Rate: Gas Sp Gr: 0.6 Gas Temperature entering Line: 80°F Line Fressure: 1000 psi Line Size: 6" std. steel pipe, doped and wrapped Location of Line: Permian Basin Maximum Allowable Temperature in Line: 130°F 210.0 MCFD From Figure 1: The hydrate temperature for 1000 psi is 60°F. If the gas tenpera~ ture is allowed to drop to within 5°F of the hydrate temperature or 65°F, the enthalpy difference between the inlet and downstream conditions is 225 BTU/lb-nol. From Figure 2: Heat loss = 240,000 BTU/hr From Figure 4: GID = Inlet gas temperature = min. ground temp = 80 - 45 = 35°F LID = Downstream gas temperature = min. ground temp = 65 - 45 = ‘Te = 27°F 20°F Other factors: Ug = 1.0 BTU/hr ~ sq ft ~ °F for doped and wrapped line a = 1.733 sq ft/it for 6" pipea 1m TW Bx 2792 Odenss, Texas 79760 Heat transfer equation: L=__Q = 240,000 = 5123 ft downstream Te) C0). 735)Ca7y In the next indirect heater the gas will be reheated from 65°F to 130°F at 1000 psi, Use a heater with 3" standard coil to hold the pressure drop doun. From Figure 1: Enthelpy difference = 700 BTU/1b-mol Fron Figure 2: Heat required = 760,000 BTU/hr From Figure 3: U, = 104 BTU/hr-sq fe: From Figure 4: GID = Water bath temperature-inlet temperature = 180-65 = 115°F LTD = Water bath temperature-outlet temperature ~ 180-130 = 50°F 1, * 80°F Heat Transfer equation: A=__Q = 760,000 = 91.3 sq ft UG) 04) (oy From Table 5: 48" x 10° Firebox Rating: 1,000,000 BTU/hr i Coil Data: 14 ~ 3" X-Hvy cubes Coil Area: 126.4 sq fe Example 6: Determine the pressure drop in the coll of the heater sized in Example From Figure 5: 2 Py =P, 2 = 10800 pei/100 ft From Table 5: Equivalent length of pipe in heater coil. L, = 200.7 £ Outlet Pressure: oe 2 22 12 2 42 Foe [Py - 2-2) Lb = |000)* - (10800) (200.79 l as i 00! P, = 989 psi Pressure drop in coil: P=) - P, = 1000 ~ 989 = 11 pei Example 7: Given the following data, size oil and water stream.densa, Texas 79760 Given data: oe Oil Flow Rate: 2000 bb1/day Water Flow Rate: 1500 bbl/day Inlet Temperature: 60°F Outlet Required Temperature: 110°F Coil Size Required: 3" cast iron Heat required: Percent water in total stream, X = 1500 = 43% 3500, Heat required, Q= W (6.25 + 8.33X) (To - Ta) = 3500 [ 6.25 + 83.3 (0.43) ] (110-60) = 1,720,583 BrU/nr From Figures 34 end 3B: Water flow rate 1500 = 62.5 bbl /hr 24 O11 flow rate = 2000 = 83.3 bbl/hr 24 Uo £0 water portion = 120.5 BTU/hr - sq fc - °F Up for oil portion = 33.0 BTU/hr - aq ft - °F Uo (mix) “Ue (ost) + [Yo (water) ~ Ye Coin) ] = 33.0 + [120.5 - 33.0 ] (0.43) = 70.6 BIU/he - sq ft ~ °F From Figure 4 using 180°F water bath: GID = Water bath tenperature-inlet temperature = 180-60 = 120°F LTD = Weter bath tenperature-outlet temperature = 180-110 = 70°F Tn = 95°F Heat transfer equation: A= _Q = 1,720,583 = 256.5 6q ft Uo(tn) (70.6) (95) From Table 6: Heater Size: 72" x 12" Firebox Capacity: 2,000,000 BTU/hr Coil Data: 38 - 3" cast iron tubes Coil Area: 377.1 sq fte9/ui/tt sw ‘Ont 'SHNVL STIVAIS 3AUND NOLLVAAOS ALVYOAH ~~~ visd* aunssaud vise‘ aunssaud 0008 0002 0003 0900S 000% oof 0002 O00! 0008 0004 0009 000s GoOr cO0F 002 DOD Oo B 8 8 "haryena aauyray TOW: e1/nie AdiwHina aniiv1ay 5 Ton-8F/nie zo uo "as sv969/ti/i swe ‘ONI 'suNWL STHAIS nnd NOILVNHOS 3LVYOAH ~ ~~ visa ' 3unss2ud 0006 0008 GOO 0909 000 C00 DOF s¥0 “WUNLWN. HOF S3AUND Ac WHIN|- ANNLVEadW3L - BuNSSINd zh vi 3unot4 0002 2001FIGURE 2 HEAT REQUIRED FOR NATURAL GAS 10,000,000 10,000,000 21:9 o 9 a 7 6 5 4 3 1,000,000 is 8 7 6 8 4 3 3 3 = 100,000 100,000 8 s 5 . 3 é & 7 7 3 g 6 2 5| H /\s Z 4 4 8 \ ta 3 i 3 \ £i.,3| * 2 i 1 : | Ln ‘| 10,000 C7 I 10,000 100 2° 8 4 86 7es100 20do ’ ENTHALPY DIFFERENCE, BTU/LE-MoLsw ‘owt ‘sunwi STqVAIS QgOSNW ‘3Lvy MOT SVD oe 09 0F Oo» of oe oiseros + ¢& 2 oles rs sw & z 1%) ‘do - 44 O8-YH/N18 ‘ON LN3I9ISIIOO WIE TIWY3AO & i 2D SUBLW3HT"LOSMIONI NI Se heaee Bee vie *s¥9 | TVUNLUN:: YOU. LN3IOI34300 Wild TVY3A0FIGURE 3A @ OVERALL FILM COEFFICIENT FOR WATER iN INDIRECT HEATERS 150 b 140} 20 u0 99) s 4 3 NENT, 8TU/HR So FT=F 8 49) 30) OVERALL FILM. COEFFI 20 oo eo 100 120 140 160 180 200 WATER FLOW RATE, BBL/HR. i SIVALLS TANKS, INC. CRS. 9As/es: : FIGURE 38 5 OVERALL ‘FILM COEFFICIENT FOR OIL IN INDIRECT HEATERS SSB Be [ee Zo. ao 65 80. «1 +20 140 160 180 OIL FLOW RATE, BBL/HR 200 SIVALLS TANKS, INC. CRS 8/16/68w FIGURE 4 LOG MEAN TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE 3 3 8_8 8 838s wv 38 2 8 { 4 S68 ia m Al ds gs 2 3 3 Bai uishurg 4 a 3 ; \ we eee Be ae 3 oo ee 1 2 3 4 557890 2 3 4 5678 » GTO - GREATER TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCEFIGURE 5 PRESSURE OROP FOR NATURAL GAS THROUGH INDIRECT HEATER COILS 2 per wo FT 1,009,000 10,0009: zi PRESSURE OROP p= 10 100,000 100 1000 10,0 PER 100 FTa ma 1 ii g i SEE aia el Te FIGURE 6 SIZING CHART FOR NATURAL GAS INDIRECT HEATER Suprsades Page 627 Onied Janey 26, 1968 tietive June 8.9987 TeDivas, 1c. 39 and POLL pa | iss anaans. a3 } aw3Haud 3HOHO a 43710 wOIsNaxa L Sv9 73nd wouy7n93u ‘Svo 13ns SNolyuno14Nod Wo SSvd LIMES HALIM AND Q30NTONI IHOHD FELON ® “sano -ss300¥ CUVONVIS 3HL HLIM 30019 =NI LON 3uy NOLLYHLSAT SINL NO SBIOSS3IOV ONY DNidld 3HL 30 3N0S Toon YBLV3H LOSYIGN| WLNOZINOH v2 BYNDI4d wanung any Wissay aww wowsOdessa, Texas 79760 Box 2792 aI Wo soon a WOISNYANS vais Woo HONS Y31V3H LOBYION! TVLNOZINOH @z 3yndls ~ ~sh oe At! TYP Rox 2792 Ordena, Texas 78760 os TABLE 1 Maximum Coll Working Pressure (P) c=-0 ty 7 0-875 ty th P P Nominal Wominal Maximum Working Maximum Working Pipe Wall, in. Pressure”, psig Pressure”, poig Size, in. Grade B Grade c™* * S$ = 20,000 S = 23,300 1 xs 0.179 [5.270 = 2 Std 0.154 2,380 = 2 xs 0.218 3,440 - 2 XS 0.436 7,340 8,560 2-1/2 sed 0.203 2,600 oF 2-1/2 xs 0.276 3,610 - 2-1/2 XxS 0.552 7,770 9,050 2-1/2 0.750 10,720 12,490 2-1/2 0.875 12,530 14,600, 3 sta 0.216 2,260 - 3 xs 0.300 3,260 > 3 xxs 0.600 6,820 7,940 4 sed 0.237 1,920 4 xs 0.337 2,770 - 4 xs 0.674 5,860 6,830 ‘Maximum working pressure (P) hac been rounded up to the next higher unit of 10 pig. wcrade C pipe generally available only on special order in large quantitiesUae ele i SSSeSFSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSF TABLE 2 GAS FLOW RATE Operating Pressure of Cail B00 Oo OBS ELEM ELLCCM PEN oe 1 Nominal Cas throughput to provide 80 ft/sec coil oS Pipe Size, in. velocity @ 120°F, MuscrD 13s -[xepTul so] se] «] « usa 2 sta >| -] =] -] =] asfaeP al else 2x8 ~ | =] - 7 = 7 33] 22] a] ao} 3] 2 3x 30 | 28 | 25} 2 | 20] 13] les} 22 ) | 2-1/2 sea -| -] -~ =] -[ seP ae Par Parle 2-1/2 xs - | =| =] 53] or} a2} af as] ne 2-1/2 xs sa [38 | xe | si | as} i] is} 8} ‘ela 3 sta -] -] =] =] =] ss] a0 Pas Pe fan 3 xs ~} =| =] =] ml} a7} 36] 22] a6 | io 3 as vo | 65 | se} sa | ae] ar] 23] aa] io] > pl sce -fo-] -] =] =] 9s] a0 tas | 30 | 20 4 xs -J =] =] =] =] es} oo} 38] 27 | ie 4 xs =| 123 | 110 | ao | 90} ei] as} 28] 20] a3 15000 | 13000 | 11000 | 10000 | 9000 | 8000 | 7000 |5000 [3000 |1000 2-1/2" 0.750W >} sr] 29} 29] 28] 27] as] os] ae 2-1/2" 0.8758 22 aL 20 19 yw} ie} a7] as] ir] @ 2-1/2" 10008 1] af az} az} mf uf} al.'s} 7] $-N Wo Bex 1792 Odense, Texas 79750 Ee TABLE 3 PROPERTIES OF STEEL PIPE USED IN INDIRECT HEATERS Nominal | schedute| o.p. | tp. | wait we, | External | Interna? Pipe in. | in. |rnickness | 1b/ie | Surface | Surface Size in. Sq ft/ft | Sq ft/ee sox | 1.315 |o.957 | 0.179 2am | 0.364 0.251 2 4os | 2.375 | 2.067 | 0.154 3.652 | 0.622 0.541 80x 1.939 | 0.218 5.022 | 0.622 0.508 2K 1.503 | 0.436 8.029 | 0.622 0.393 2-1/2" 4os | 2.875 | 2.469 | 0.203 5.79 | 0.753 0.646 80x 2.323 | 0.276 7.66 | 0.753 0.608 2 aaa | 0.552 13.70°| 0.753 0.464 - 1.375 | 0.750 17.02 | 0.753 0.360 - 3.125 | 0.875 13.68 | 0.753 0.295 ' - 0.875 | 1.000 20.03 | 0.753 0.229 3" 4os | 3.500 [3.068 | 0.216 7.58 | 0.916 0.803 80x 2.900 | 0.300 10.25 | 0.916 0.759 xx 2.300 | 0.600 18.58 | 0.916 0.602 a 4os | 4.500 | 4.026 | 0.237 10.79 | 1.178 1.054 80x 3.826 | 0.337 16.98 | 1.178 1.002 2% 3.152 | 0.674 27.54 | 1.178 0.825 TABLE 4 PROPERTIES OF CAST IRON PIPE USED IN INDIRECT HEATER COILS SqFt | SqFt Wall Outside | Inside Nominal Thickness | Wt per |Surface | Surface Pipe Size | O.D., in, | I.D., in, in, ' | Ft., Ib[per ft | per ft 2" 2.375 1.955 21 4.8 | .622 512 a 3.50) 2.86 +32 10.0 | .916 | 1749 4 4.500 3.06 232 13.1 2.178 | 1.011‘a +3 WWF 2x 192 Odeon, Texas 19760 TABLE 5 STANDARD INDIRECT HEATERS WITH STEEL PIPE COILS Hinz pile fase Equivalent size | Rating |No, of Coil Area | Tubes spite | Yap, OF Fane pia x Len.| BTU/hr | tubes -| Tube size | oq fe | Split Areas | fot Pres 24" x 3" | 100,000| spire] 1" x 21.5 - - 93.2 gzo"x 6" | 250,000] a4 | a" x 26.2 8/6 | 15.0/11.2 96.4 8 | 2" x or xx] 28.9 476 | 14.5 /14.4 68.3 30" x10" | 500,000] 8 |2"xorxx| 48.8 | 4/4 | 24.4/24.4 100.3 36" x20" | 750,000] a4 | 2" x or xx| 85.3 8/6 | 48.7/36.6 177.7 3o/e | 6019/2464 8 Kor xx| 72.3 | 4/4 | 36.1/36.2 12.7 48" x 10" |1,000,000] 18" | 2" x or xX} 109.7 12/6 | 73.1/36.6 229.3 4 | 3" xX or xx] 126.4 3/6 | 7212/54.2 200.7 10/4 | 90.3/36.1 12/2 | 108.3/18.1 60" x 12" | 1,500,000 2" x or xx| 176.1 | 16/8 | 117.4/58.7 354.7 3" x or xx | 217.1 | 12/8 | 130.3/86.8 328.7 14/6 | 152!0/65.1 ws | 4" x or xx] 196.4 8/6 | 112.2/84.2 243.8 10/4 | 140.3/56.1 12/2_| 168.3/28.1 72" x 12'/ 2,000,000 |) 38 | 2" x or xx} 278.7 +| 20/18 | 146.7/132.0| 563.3 — - 28/10 | 205.4/73.3 & 30/8 | 220.0/58.7 30 | 3" x or xx| 325.6 | 22/8 | 238:8/86.8 495.4 26/4 | 28212/43.5 as | 4" x or xx| 252.5 | 12/6 | 168.3/86.2 315.1 60" x 20" | 2,500,000] 24 | 2" x or xx} 295.5 | 26/8 | 197. 0/98.5, 546.7 20 | 3" x or xx| 363.7 | 12/8 | 218,2/145.5| 488.7 14/6 | 254.6/109.1 a4 ta" x ox xx] 328.4 8/6 |187.7/140.7| 355.8 ro/i | 230.6/93.8 | 12/2 | 28115/46.9 6024" 3,000,000) 24 | 2" x or xx] 355.2 | 26/8 |236.8/118.4| 642.7 co 20 | 3" x or xx| 437.0 | 12/8 | 262.2/176.8| 568.7 (se 14/6 | 305.9/131-1 us | a" x or xx | 394.3 8/6 |225.3/169.0| 411.8 o/s | 282.6/122.7 12/2 | 338.0/56.3 72" x 24" | 4,000,000] 30 | 3" x or xx] 655.4 | 22/8 | 4a0,6/174.8| 855.4 26/4 | 568.0/87.4 + as | 4" x or xx| 507.0 | 12/6 | 338,0/169.0) 532.2aml WW qe 202 Oenn, Texas 79760 SS EEE TABLE 6 STANDARD INDIRECT HEATERS WITH CAST IRON COILS Equivalent | Coil Area Len. of Pipe| size Rat ing No. of sq ft (outside for Press. Dia x Len, | BTU/hr Tubes | Tube Size | tube surface) Drop, ft [ a0" x20" 500,000 6 a cas 33.6 65.4 4 3" c.1. 33.3 427 36" x 10" 750,000 | 14 2 cr, 24 154.0 8 3" C.1. 65.6 97.9 48" x 10" 750,000 | 20 2" o.r. "110.2 220.5 4a" x 10' | 1,000,000 | 18 BCT. 99.3 198.4 12 3" G.I. 97.8 248.2 18 cer. 146.2 223.5 60" x 12' | 1,500,000 | 24 eet. 162.0 312.8 24 SH G.2, 238.5 346.9 16 an cr 209.6 250.5 72" x12! | 2,000,000 | 38 2" Gr 256.0 496.0 38 ai e.T. 377.1 550.7 20 an cr 261.8 316.1 TABLE 7 INDIRECT HEATERS WITH 10,000 PST COILS Size Firebox No. of Tubes and Coil Area, eq ft Equivalent Dia, x Len, | Rating Size Len. of Pipel BIU/nr Preheat | Exp. | Preheat] Exp. ]Total | for Press. coil® cot Drop, ft 36" x 10" 750,000 | 8-2-1/2" | 2-3" 58.4 | 18.2] 76.6 126.9 4s" x 10" | 1,000,000 | 8-2-1/2" | 6-3" 58.4 | 54.3 [412.7 185.6 | aad 60" x 12 | 1,500,000 | 10-2-1/2" | 8-3" 86.0 | 86.9 [174.9 277.2 72" x 12" | 2,000,000 | 16-2-1/2" | 12-3" | 140.6 |130.3 634.9 so" x 12! | 2,500,000 | 10-2-1/2" oe.2 [245.6 422.2 60" x 24" | 3,000,000 | 10-2-1/2" 178.3 [174.9 493.2 72" x 24" | 4,000,000 | 20-2-2/2" | 14-3" | 396.4 | 309.9 2-1/2" 0.750" wall pipe is used. 83" X-Hvy pipe is used.TABLE 8 INDIRECT HEATERS - WATER BATU VOLUMES Water Volune Required, Heater Size Dia x Len. 24" x 3 30" x 6" 30" x 10" 36" x 10° 48" x 10° 60" x 12° > 72" x 12! 60" x 20" 60" x 24° 72" x 24" TABLE 9 FREEZING POINT OF WATER-GLYCOL MIXTURES Approximate Percent by Volune Freezing Point Ethylene Glycol oF 29 5 25 20 21 1s 16 20 \ u 25 4 30 -3 35 -10 40 ‘ 20 45 -32 5079760 THIS PAGE” IS BLANK4 Box 2792 * Odessa, Texas 79760 eS February 1, 1987 SECTION: 500 TECHNICAL BULLETIN No. 130, Revision 2 INDIRECT HEATER - CHOKE LOCATION fh order fe determine the effect of the choke location on the operation of an indirect heater, we have assumed a set of typical gas conditions. Calculations have then been made using a stendard gas production unit to determine chee che Gas temperatures will be throughout the coil in the heater. Gas Conditions: Gas Flow Rate - 5,0 MNSCFD Gas Sp Gr - 0.70 Inlet Flowing Pressure - 2000 psi Inlet Gas Temperature - 71°F (iydrate Temp. for 2000 psi) Separator Pressure - 700 psi Hydrate Temperature at 700 psi - 60°F Gas Production Unit: Unit Model ~ HSU-7¢ Heater Firebox Rating - 750,000 BTU/hr Heater Coil - 12 - 2" x-Hvy tubes, 88.2 sq £t coil area Five exanples have been worked out to show the effect of choke location and rex sulting temperatures on indirect heater operation. The following baste heat transfer equation was used. Q= Uo (A) (tm) Where: Q = Heet transfer required, BTU/hr Uo = Overall film coefficient - 118 BTU/hr - sq ft - for gas conditions used 4 = Coil area in heater, sq ft tm = Mean temperature difference between gas and water bath, °F Since the heat transfer area available in a long nose choke is so small, compared haves 2ee2 i the coil, the amount of area in the preheat and expansion loose Gill have a Zar greater effect on the heater operation, than the type of choke coud, EXAMPLE NO Afeune there is a single pass coil in the heater vith a regular choke on the outlet Choke Mester coil, The heater is operated to maintain che gas temperature after ghoking at 65°F (°F above the hydrate tenperature). See the attached chart for Example No. 1. The gas must be heated to 131°F before choking. The total heat ene yet fs 520,000 Brushy end the vater bath cenperature vill be 152°F. Nove gat ia this example the gas temperature is never allowed to fall below the hy~ Grate temperature of gas.pivaus, inc. Box 2792 Odessa, Texas 79760 EXANPLE NO. Assume there is a split pase coil with 10 tubes upstream of the choke or preheat coil (73.5 8q ft coil area) and 2 tubes downstream or expansion coil (14.7 sq ft coil area). A long nose heater choke is installed between the coils. This heater is also operated to maintain the gas at 65°F leaving the heater or 5°F above the hydrate temperature: The gas will be heated to 112°F in the preheat coil and drop to 42°F after choking. It will be reheated to 65°F in the expansion coil. The totel heat required is 522,000 BTU/hr (380,000 BTU/hr in preheat coil, 142,000 BTU/hr in expansion coil) and the water bath temperature will be 135°F. Note on the chart for Example No. 2 that the gas is below the hydrate temperature after choking and most of the way through the expansion coil EXAMPLE NO. 3: This example uses the same coil construction as Example No. 2, except the unit is operated to allow the gas temperature to drop only to 50°F after choking or 10°F below the hydrate temperature. The gas must be heated to 120°F in the preheat coil ané will be reheated to 73°F in the expansion coil. The total heat required is 586,000 BTU/hr (440,000 BTU/hr in preheat coil, 146,000 BTU/hr in expansion coil) and the water bath temperature will be 146°F, Note on the chart for Example No. 3 that the gas is only below the hydrate temperature for a portion of the way thru the expansion coil. However, the outlet gas temperature will be raised to 73°F which will somewhat lover the liquid recovery in the separator from that which would be obtained in Examples No. 1 or 2. EXAMPLE NO. 4: Assume there is a split pass coil with 2 tubes upstream of the choke or preheat coil (14.7 sq ft coil area) and 10 tubes downstream in the expansion coil (73.5 sq ft coil area.) A long nose choke would be installed between the coils. The heater is operated to maintain the gas at 65°F leaving the heater as in Examples Wo. 1 and 2. The gas will be heated to 75°F in the preheat coil before choking. However, the gas temperature will drop to -2°F after choking. As can be seen on the chart for Example No. 4 the gas temperature will be far below the hydrate temperature most of the way thru the heater. The total heat required is 527,000 BIU/hr (75,000 BTU/hr in preheat coil, 500,000 BTU/hr in expansion coil) and the water bath temperature will be 89°F. It is doubtful that the heater could be operated to maintain a 65°F outlet gas temperature without hydrates forming and freezing off the coil. EXAMPLE No This example uses the same coil construction a& Example No. 4 except the heater is operated to allow the gas temperature to drop to only 15°F after choking. The gas must be heated to 90°F in the prehest coil before choking. After choking the gas will be reheated dn the expansion coil to 128°F. The total heat required is 913,000 BTU/hr (138,000 BTU/hr in the preheat coil, 775,000 BTU/hr in the expansion coil) and the water bath temperature will be 160°F. Note on the chart for Example No. 5 the gas temperature is below the hydrate temperature for less time than in Example No. 4, but is still dangerously below the hydrate temperature after choking. Freezing may till be incurred. Also, the outlet gas temperature of 128°F will beTro meres oma teu We srs _oimsieee appreciably cut down on w ett art 12 eizel ts Toeatae No. 1, 2, or 3. The totel heat required is also above that available with the standard firebox in the unit of 750,000 BTU/hr. In summary, it can be seen from the examples that with the choke on the heater outlet or in a split pass coil with a small expansion loop, the heater can be operated to give the lowest outlet gas temperature, and therefore, the highest Liquid recovery in the separator. This can be done without allowing the gas temperature to fall below the hydrate temperature as in Example No. 1 or only slightly below as in Examples 2 and 3. However, with the choke on the inlet or after @ small preheat coil, the outlet gas temperature mist be carried much highe in order to prevent freezing in the choke. This will, of course, cut down con siderably on the Liquid recovery in the separator downstream from the heater.131 OF CHOKE LOCATION 5 OF. 60°F GAS TEMPERATURE * 40; | 60 80 882 100 “COIL! AREA’, SQ. FT. 11} PREHEAT 150 WATER BATH TEMP - 135 °F TOTAL HEAT REQOD - 522,000 BTU/HR & 12 °F 3 ty 100 & ae CHOKE LOCATION = Som a5 °F 5 60 °F £50 a soe 42°F g 6 ° } 20 +40 6c 73.5 80 86.2 100 ‘ COIL AREA, SQ. FT. | PREHEAT XPANS SIVALLS TANKS ,INC- CRS 2-12-67GAS TEMPERATURE °F GAS TEMPERATURE °F *, EXAMPLE "3 150 100 x o & EXA 150, loo 7 50 “WATER BATH TEMP. - 146 °F TOTAL HEAT REQD - 586,000 BTU/HR 120 °F CHOKE Location 73°F : SO°F 20 40 60 73.5 80 88. oO colL AREA, $0. FT. PREHEAT WATER BATH TEMP, - 89 °F TOTAL HEAT REQD - 527,000 BTU/HA pean q75 OF ByDRATE, Te wreasyyne $5 38 cHoxe JLOCATION Tay 20 a6 do do eda ido “COIL AREA, SQ. FT. EXPANSION SIVALLS TANKS, INC. CRS 2-12-67EXAMPLE “5 150 WATER BATH TEMP. - 160 °F TOTAL HEAT REQD - 913,000 BTU/HR 128 °F 100 < HYORATE TEMPERATURE _60 °F GAS TEMPERATURE °F 40 COIL; AREA, SQ..FT. EXPANSION SIVALLS TANKS ,INC CRS 2-12-67