September, 2022
DESIGN
HELIFLOW® heat exchanger from GRAHAM CORPORATION is a helically wound shell and tube heat exchanger, achieving improved thermal efficiency, reduced fouling and exceptional mechanical cooling.
SEALING SYSTEMS
Proper system design is very important to ensure long life of pump bearings and mechanical seals. In the case of the latter, lubrication, cooling and cleaning are key. To facilitate this process, the high temperature flushing fluid, either the process fluid or a different barrier fluid, is directed to the seal cooler, where the stored heat is transferred to a secondary fluid, typically water or a mixture of glycol and water. The cooled flushing liquid is returned to the seal chamber. HELIFLOW® exchangers are manufactured in various standard sizes and custom solutions are also offered. The equipment is certified according to ASME Section VIII, Div 1, PED and CRN.
API 682
HELIFLOW® seal exchangers are regularly used in plans 21, 22, 23 and 41 defined by API 682, Annex G. API 682 describes the construction and design characteristics for sealing systems in severe applications. Specifically, the sealing system cooling system must be fully drainable and capable of maintaining flow through the thermosyphon circulation to ensure continuous cooling of the seals, even if the pumping ring is lost. HELIFLOW® helical heat exchangers provide excellent performance in this type of application.
EFFICIENCY, RELIABILITY AND MAINTENANCE
The multi-tube configuration of a HELIFLOW® heat exchanger minimizes hydraulic losses, thereby eliminating the need for large diameter, thermally inefficient tubes. In addition, HELIFLOW® exchangers offer excellent operational reliability. The effects of fouling are minimized due to the turbulent flow and mixing induced by the spiral fluid passages. The removable casing also allows the tube bundle to be replaced quickly and easily, if necessary. The spiral tube bundle eliminates the thermal expansion problems that affect shell and tube exchangers, as the tube bundle can expand and contract without stressing the joints between the tubes and the plates.