19th Annual Wyoming Oil & Gas Fair!

If you plan to attend the Wyoming Oil & Gas Fair – please stop by Booth #2 and visit with Randall Miller.

He will be pleased to discuss Zeeco Flare Equipment, Adwest RETOX Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers, and TM Filtration Gas Filtration Equipment / Fluid Engineering Strainers.

The Oil & Gas Fair runs Tuesday September 15th thru Thursday September 17th, 2015 at the Casper Events Center

RMAEE 16th Annual Energy Forum is Coming Up!

The RMAEE 16th Annual Energy Forum will be here in Colorado on October 22, 2015 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the Denver Police Protective Association (PPA) Event Center. Participants will receive 6 Continuing Education Hours. Lunch and continental breakfast are included with paid admission of $65 for RMAEE members and $85 for nonmembers. This price ends at midnight October 20th. At the door registrations – the prices increase $10 each. Students with Valid ID will be admitted for free. Free parking is available in the lot across the street from the PPA venue. Continental Breakfast and Registration Opens at 7:30 AM. Conference and speakers start at 8:30 AM.

To buy tickets, copy-paste this address into your address bar on a new tab.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rmaee-16th-annual-energy-forum-october-22-2015-tickets-18434423858?aff=es2

The preliminary agenda goes as follows,

ðåð´ EPAðÌð•s Clean Power Plan – William Allison (Air Pollution Control Division Director) will present on ColoradoðÌð•s possible responses to the EPAðÌð•s 111d Clean Power Plan rule and how to engage in that effort.

ðåð´ ESCO Case Studies Session – Key stakeholders (such as client and ESCO representatives) will present case studies that demonstrate ways of overcoming challenges and successes in using the ESCO model to implement energy efficiency projects in Colorado.

ðåð´ Net Zero Energy Projects in Army Facilities – This presentation will highlight work done by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) and the Army to advance net zero energy at Army facilities.

ðåð´ Colorado State University Solar PV Case Study – Carol Dollard will discuss financing, installation, and results of this solar array at CSU.

Lunch

ðåð´ Keynote – Ron Binz, former PUC chair and visionary leader towards the Grid 2.0, will discuss policy developments and new technologies impacting energy generation, consumption, and transmission.

ðåð´ Energy Efficiency in Agriculture – Sam Anderson of the Colorado Dept. of Agricultural will talk about funding sources and various programs, including small hydro, available to promote energy efficiency and energy production in the ag sector.

ðåð´ Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) – Paul Scharfenberger, CPACE Program Manager for the Colorado Energy Office (CEO), will provide an

overview of this program to provide financing for energy efficiency in ColoradoðÌð•s commercial building stock.

ðåð´ Investor Confidence Project – Tracy Phillips will discuss the various ICP protocols, how they are being implemented on Colorado projects, and how these protocols may interact with initiatives such as CPACE.

ðåð´ DC Microgrids – John Phelan is the Energy Services Manager for Fort Collins Utilities, leading the team that provides energy efficiency, conservation, demand response and renewable energy services will discuss the new Utilities facility in Ft Collins including the use of a DC microgrid.

The speakers and order of presentations are subject to change.

For more information, email us at admin@pentadassoc.com.

All About Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers

Pentad Associates can help you save -“ When you are looking to replace some of your Heat Exchangers. We offer several basic Shell & Tube configurations in which these can be offered in various custom designs upon request. We offer interchangeable units to such companies as Thermal Transfer, Young Radiator, ITT, Basco, Bell & Gosset, along with others in the industries.

Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers:

Replacement Heat Exchangers to many of the major brands in today’•s marketplace such as ITT, Basco, Thermal Transfer, Young Radiator, Bell & Gosset, along with others. These units are offered as direct replacements to existing units in the field. In most cases, all that would be necessary to price a unit, would be the existing model number. We also offer computer aided design to size for your particular application.

Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers:

Stainless Steel corrugated plates that are brazed together using copper at high temperatures. The result is a compact, rugged, leak tight, high efficiency heat exchanger. Channels are formed between the plates in which ports are arranged for counter-current flow. A seal is formed throughout the periphery of the unit by the brazed copper.

Plate & Frame Heat Exchanger:

Stainless Steel corrugated plates that are pressed together in an Industrial Fabricated Frame. Compact design ease of maintenance, efficient heat transfer performance. The plate & frame using stainless steel plate are compact, rugged, leak tight, and highly efficient. Channels are formed between the plates in which ports are arranged for counter-current flow. A seal is formed throughout the periphery with the use of gasketing. Units can be taken apart for cleaning and restoring unit efficiencies.

Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers:

Copper tube aluminum fin along with all aluminum plate & Bar core, offered in various designs and configurations depending on requirements. Complete units two include selected core, motor, fan, and shroud. Air Cooled units are offered for various applications such as Oil Cooling, as Cooling, & Water Cooling. Computer aided design is also offered with these units.

Replacement Tube Bundles:

Replacement shell & tube U-tube bundles. Various materials such as Cu. , Steel, Cu Ni, Stainless. Titanium, Hastelloy, as well as others. Replacements to Taco, ITT, Basco & others.

Coils:

Copper Tube Aluminum Fin and all aluminum cores built to design specification, or can be sized with dimensional information. Chilled & Hot Water, Steam, & Refrigerant cores, available in many various configurations depending on application requirements.

Shell & Coil Heat Exchangers:

Counterflow Heat Exchanger made all of 316L Stainless Steel. Helically Corrugated tubes coiled in a spiral tube bundle supply high heat transfer efficiency. Compact Design, Light weight, High Efficiency make the shell & Coil Heat Exchanger an excellent choice for many applications such as water to water, gas dryers, steam heaters, oil coolers, along with many other applications.

U-Tube Tube Heat Exchangers (ASME Code):

PW & PS design heat exchangers for liquid to liquid and liquid to steam. U-Tube Construction available in either 2 or 4 pass on the tube side. Removable Tube Bundles for convenience in cleaning and inspection. Strong durable 304 Stainless Steel tubes are standard construction with Steel Shell. Tubes are expanded into tube sheet to allow for expansion and contraction due to thermal fluctuations. Units equipped with mounting saddles/feet.

SS-Line Heat Exchangers (Pool Heaters):

All 316L Stainless Steel Construction. Corrugated Shell & Tube design that delivers excellent thermal performance even with fouled media. Very compact design all stainless construction make it an excellent choice when compared to Cu Brazed Plate Heat Exchangers.

New Neptune MP7100

The Neptune Series MP7100 is a mechanically-actuated diaphragm metering pump engineered from the ground up to be more robust and durable than similar mechanical diaphragm pump designs. The MP7100 pump incorporates the ruggedness of a hydraulic diaphragm metering pump, eliminates the need for intermediate fluid or hydraulic oil to actuate the diaphragm and reduces the potential for gearbox oil to contaminate the process. The result is a pump design that provides reliable and accurate dosing of a wide range of mild to aggressive chemicals, including those used in industrial and municipal water & wastewater treatment, chemical processing and agriculture. The MP7100 finned gearbox dissipates the heat created during normal operation more readily than other designs. The straight-through flow design of the MP7100 liquid end and the elimination of the contour plate result in improved flow characteristics, making the pump well-suited for pumping difficult chemicals such as viscous fluids, shear sensitive fluids and fluids with suspended solids.

For a copy of the brochure, email us at admin@pentadassoc.com!

10 Tips For Plate-and-Frame Heat Exchangers

Evaluating your process will help you specify a plate-and-frame heat exchanger that is right for your application. Use these 10 tips to specify your next plate heat exchanger and maximize its service life.

It is no surprise that plate-and-frame heat exchangers (PHEs) offer good heat transfer. But, there are several important factors you must keep in mind as a specifier or user of PHEs. For instance, if the PHE is to be used in conjunction with a cooling tower, it should be designed for the water treatment chemicals being used to treat the tower water. Also, it is easier to prevent a heat exchanger from leaking than to stop a leak once it occurs. And, did you know that you can minimize erosion in the port area by lowering nozzle velocities?

Consider the following 10 tips when choosing and using your next plate-and-frame heat exchanger.

Two liquid streams enter and exit a heat exchanger from the hot side and the cold side. As a result, there are four temperatures to consider when sizing the heat exchanger: hot side inlet, hot side outlet, cold side inlet and cold side outlet.

TIP 1: Tell Them Everything

Be sure to communicate all pertinent information regarding your application to the manufacturer when you request a quotation. Two liquid streams, referred to as the “hot side” and the “cold side,” go into and come out of a heat exchanger. As a result, there are four temperatures to consider when sizing the heat exchanger: hot side inlet, hot side outlet, cold side inlet and cold side outlet.

The minimum information needed to size the heat exchanger for both the hot and cold sides are: fluid names, flow rates, inlet temperature, outlet temperature, operating pressures and maximum pressure drop allowed across the unit. For fluids that are uncommon or proprietary, physical properties such as viscosity at inlet and outlet temperatures, thermal conductivity, specific gravity and specific heat will be needed. Most manufacturers have a design questionnaire available for you to use when collecting data for a heat exchanger application and would be eager to furnish you with a copy.

TIP 2: Check Compatibility

Check with your manufacturer to ensure chemical compatibility among the heat exchanger components and your process liquids as well as any possible cleaning solutions. An overwhelming number of PHEs contain 316 stainless steel plates; 316 stainless is compatible with and corrosion resistant to many chemicals commonly found in processing plants. One chemical that is not friendly to 316, however, is chloride. Chloride’s effect on 316 stainless steel is temperature related. A rule of thumb for chloride’s compatibility with 316 is as follows: 180 ppm (parts per million) at 122oF (50oC), 120 ppm at 170oF (77oC), and 50 ppm at 212oF (100oC). Some manufacturers use a 316 stainless steel with a higher nickel content, which will be more resistant to chloride, but it is wise to check with them before implementing any chemical change.

Plate-and-frame heat exchangers commonly are used in conjunction with cooling towers. The heat exchanger should be designed for your needs and the water treatment chemicals being used to treat the tower water. If you are thinking of switching to more aggressive chemicals to remedy a problem such as algae within the cooling tower, check with the heat exchanger manufacturer to confirm its compatibility with the plates and gaskets.

Another typical situation occurs in the food industry, where it is a common practice to clean-in-place (CIP) the unit. This involves circulating a caustic cleaning solution throughout the system. Again, make certain that the cleaning solutions you use are compatible with the heat exchanger plates and gaskets.

TIP 3: Avoid Situations Where Pressure Spikes Can Occur

Although manufacturers make extra allowances in the design engineering, it is important to stay within the pressure limits of the heat exchanger’s rating. If a pressure spike within the system piping is possible due to the quick closure of a valve, water hammer, etc., you must take the necessary precautions to protect the heat exchanger or suffer the leaky consequences of a blown out elastomeric gasket. Avoid pressure changes of more than 150 psig/min and temperature changes of more than 20oF/min (11oC/min). Remedies for this situation include relief valves, rupture discs, pulsation dampers and arrestors. Check with the manufacturer for recommendations.

TIP 4: Use a Strainer or Bypass the Unit During Startup

During startup, it is advisable to include a temporary strainer on the cold or hot water inlet as well as the inlet of the process liquid. Alternatively, bypass the heat exchanger altogether during startup. Even if your liquids are clean, with no particulates present, a temporary strainer or bypass configuration around the PHE is recommended for new, startup applications. During construction, it is all too common to see dirt, weld beads and other debris get into tanks and piping, and then get pumped through the system. (I once found a work boot in the suction line of a large pump.) If this debris finds its way into the exchanger, it may get trapped, causing an increase in pressure drop and a decrease in heat transfer efficiency.

The plates in a plate-and-frame heat exchanger typically are in a chevron or V-shape. Every other plate is reversed, causing a waffle-type grid between those plates. Most PHEs will allow 0.0625″ or smaller particles to pass through without fouling. For liquids containing larger particles, wide-gap plate designs are available.

TIP 5: Keep Large Particles Out

The plates in a PHE typically are in a chevron or V-shape. Every other plate is reversed, causing a waffle-type grid between those plates. The space between the plates is called the channel and, in many cases, can be quite small to achieve higher levels of heat transfer efficiency.

Particles entering into the exchanger can potentially get caught in the plate channel, so it is important to ensure that no particulate larger than 0.0625″ is allowed to enter the heat exchanger. If your liquids could contain larger particles, they should be removed with either a strainer or separator prior to their entering the exchanger. This is especially important if there is an open tank in the system where larger particles could be introduced. Increased velocity is not only important for efficiency, but also to help keep particles in suspension so they pass through the exchanger. Most plate-and-frame heat exchangers will allow particles 0.0625″ or smaller to pass. For liquids containing larger particles than this, “wide-gap” plate designs are available.

The total dimension of a plate pack is based on the number of plates and grids in the unit. This distance is measured between the inside of the head and follower. You should check this dimension and tighten the unit, if necessary, at least once a year.

TIP 6: Periodically Check Plate Pack Dimensions and Frame Integrity

Generally, it is easier to prevent a heat exchanger from leaking than to stop a leak once it occurs. An important point to remember is that a plate-and-frame heat exchanger is not tightened to a torque specification but rather to a platage dimension. Between each pair of plates is an elastomeric gasket that, as compressed, seals the area between the plates and prevents leakage. Picture a large heat exchanger with perhaps 600 to 700 plates, each with a gasket between them, and you can imagine how much compression will take place when you start to close the unit by tightening the tie-bars.

The manufacturer will provide a total dimension of the plate pack based upon the number of plates and grids in the unit. This distance is measured between the inside of the head and follower. It is recommended that you check this dimension and tighten the unit if necessary, at least once a year. At the same time, check the tie-bars and frame components for any damage or corrosion that could occur in chemical environments.

TIP 7: Use Good Piping Practices

As with all process equipment, good, common-sense piping practices should be used. A heat exchanger makes a lousy pipe hanger. Ensure that all piping is supported properly and does not put any undue stress on the connections to the heat exchanger.

In steam applications, ensure that all condensate lines are properly pitched away from the heat exchanger so that condensate will not mix with the steam and flash back into vapor. One cubic foot of water evaporated at 212oF (100oC) and 14.69 psig becomes 1,606 ft3 of dry saturated steam! Steam traps should be included and used in accordance with local codes.

TIP 8: Take Precautions to Minimize Port Erosion

A safe rule of thumb is to keep port velocity at the heat exchanger around 20 ft/sec. In addition, consider port liners of the same material as the plates, even on water applications. These liners, available in many different alloys, will protect the carbon steel head from erosion and corrosion in high flow, abrasive applications. As an example, in a sea (salt) water application, it would be common to use a carbon steel frame with titanium port liners and plates. This practice ensures that any components in contact with the seawater would be constructed of the corrosion-resistant titanium.

Several components make up a plate-and-frame heat exchanger. If your heating or cooling needs change, you can accommodate the new requirements by adding or deleting plates within the frame.

TIP 9: Design for the Future, But Purchase on Your Current Needs

Other than its heat transfer efficiency, one of the great benefits of a plate-and-frame heat exchanger is its modularity. If your heating/cooling needs change in the future, you can easily accommodate the new requirements by adding or deleting plates within the frame. With a little up-front planning, this flexibility allows you to purchase the equipment you need right now, with the knowledge that your future expansion needs can be handled. Once purchased, the head and follower will remain the same. Most manufacturers have several frame lengths available for each model.

Some plate heat exchangers include bolt-on top and bottom bars rather than welded construction. With the bolt-on design, you simply bolt on longer carrying and bottom bars, install the additional number of plates required for your new production needs and replace the tie-bars with longer ones. However, it is important to wait and do this only when your production needs change. Don’t try to cheat and buy a larger heat exchanger now in anticipation of those increased requirements down the road. The efficiency of a plate-and-frame heat exchanger is dependent on several variables, one being velocity and turbulence across the plates. If your exchanger size exceeds your needs, the velocity will decrease, thereby increasing the possibility of plate fouling.

TIP 10: Purchase OEM Parts to Avoid Warranty Problems

As with all types of equipment, it is common to find companies willing to provide other than original manufacturers parts at discounted prices. While some of these companies provide adequate engineering and support after the sale, others do not. Carefully consider the potential advantages and drawbacks of buying non-OEM replacement parts before making any decisions.

For more information, email us at admin@pentadassoc.com!

Tips courtesy of Robert Limper, APV. September 1, 2003.

Image found on Google Images

TM FIltration/Fluid Engineering’s Fall 2015 Newsletter!

TM Filtration/ Fluid Engineering has released their Fall 2015 Newsletter which discusses the Inline Bulk Deliquidizer/Desander Coalescer (IBDDC), The International Pittsburgh Coal Conference, the 2015 Penn State Natural Gas Utilization Conference, and the definitions and applications of strainers and Filters.. This newsletter also covers some upcoming events, as well as other good-to-know information.

For a copy of the newsletter, email us at admin@pentadassoc.com!

Fluid Engineering Product Update – for Oil & Gas Midstream Service!

(courtesy of Fluid Engineering Filtration News, Spring/Summer 2014 Volume 3, Issue 4)

It has been brought to our attention that there is a growing need for inline duplex strainers for the

mid-stream pipeline market, that is being forecasted to be installed across the USA and Canada.

Construction is scheduled to start in 2014 and continue through 2020, at least.

Fluid EngineeringðÌð•s Model 534 and 545 have been very popular for this application.

We always pay attention to the feedback we get from customers and representatives: when we got

feedback that the Model 534 would be easier to pipe if it was inline (particularly on models larger than

four (4ðÌð“) inch), Fluid Engineering added the model 545 inline duplex strainer to its product offering

(2ðÌð“ thru 12ðÌð“ sizes, ANSI 150# ratings and higher pressures on application) to improve liquid flow and save

money in the piping process.

But weðÌð•re not done yet! ItðÌð•s so new we donðÌð•t even have a drawing for it!

The applications for the new Model 547 will be:

1. Meter and Pump protection and 2. Loading and unloading applications.

Preliminary information indicates a need for pipelines sizes of; 4ðÌð“, 6ðÌð“, 8ðÌð“, 10ðÌð“ and 12ðÌð“ and will be in

the 300# ANSI Flange Ratings, therefore the Model 547 will be designed for 500 psig @ 150 degrees

F, all in accordance with ASME Code Section VIII Division 1. This model will be designed using the

Posi-Sealoc IIðåð¬ closure (Same as the model 120 Simplex) and using the new inline pipeline

configuration used on the Model 545 (Patent Pending). The baskets for the new model will all be

designed using a Stainless Steel Encapsulated Magnets to remove any iron particles found in the

liquid stream. Fluid Engineering will have the ability to build larger units and higher ratings as

specified. Contact us for more information!

New ND50 Model and ECO-AXS Released by GEA PHE Systems!

About the ND50-

Double wall heat exchangers are an excellent solution for ensuring critical medias do not cross leak inside the exchanger. The double wall exchanger adds a physical lead path between the media to remove the potential for mixing. While a similar effect can be achieved by controlling the pressure in individual lines, differential pressure can only control which media leaks into the other. Select an ND series for applications demanding higher levels of safety against cross contamination. Some example applications are potable water systems, engine cooling systems and critical machinery cooling.

GEA Heat Exchangers is proud to release the ND50 series to complement the existing ND100. A large portion of the double wall market is residential potable water systems and small engine lubricant cooling. The ND50 can give you a double wall solution with a lower initial investment cost that is better suited for smaller applications. The ND50 boasts all the benefits of the NT series and gives significant advantages over other technologies.

About the ECO-AXS-

GEA Heat Exchangers recently introduced the new ECO-AXS, easy close frame at the Pack Expo in Chicago, IL. The introduction of this frame now allows GEA to meet the needs of customers who require a quicker and easier method of opening and closing their frames with the ability to move the loose plate at up to 7 inches per minute at the touch of a button.

The ECO-AXS frame is comprised of 4 tie rods that rotate in an ACME follower nut to pull the moveable end plate to the proper position. Three frame types ðÌð Automatic, Internally Powered and Externally Powered are available to meet all levels of required automation.

ECO-AXS ðÌð Your access to convenience, reliability, efficiency and profitability. Contact us for more information.

Zeeco Launches Integrated Flame Scanner ProFlame

Zeeco announced December 18th that it has unveiled its ProFlame industrial grade flame scanner, an optical safety device that provides reliable flame detection and instant flame status for burner applications. ProFlame scanners are primarily used in power, wastewater treatment and industrial plants, as well as refineries, pulp and paper, steel, or other furnaces that fire oil, gas, biomass, chemicals and other waste products. These scanners are designed to be used on single burner applications, duct burners, and smaller, multiple burner applications (four burner boilers or heaters) that fire gaseous and liquid fuels.

The ProFlame uses state-of-the-art dual signal channel, fully analog design for use in SIL3 applications, and provides easy flame analysis. The LED display illuminates the flame-on and flame-off status, as well as the flame intensity. Easily configurable tuning controls, such as gain and flicker frequency selection, enable fast, reliable scanner commissioning. Adjustable flame relay pull in time, service dipswitch, adjust dipswitch, and raw flame signal measuring pins allow for advanced troubleshooting and signal analysis.

Zeeco’s ProFlameintegrated scanner is designed in three models: ZPF-110 (Zone 1 hazardous), ZPF-120 (Zone 2 hazardous), and ZPF-130 (non-hazardous areas). The ProFlame utility grade scanner is expected to launch after the first of the year.

ProFlame scanners have been successfully tested on a variety of burners at Zeeco’•s Combustion Research and Test Facility, near Tulsa, Okla. For more information please give us a call!