Firetube Vaporizers

For Vapor Phase Process Heating Using
Organic Heat Transfer Fluids

Horizontal Firetube Vaporizer

For 450,000 through 10,000,000 BTU/Hr.

Up to 700°F Operation.

Advantages of Vapor Phase Process Heating:

1. Temperature/Pressure Relationship
   Vapor phase process heating with organic fluids has the advantage of providing high vapor temperature with low pressure. For example, to obtain 600°F, steam pressure would be greater than 1500 PSIG; to obtain 700°F, steam pressure would be over 3000 PSIG. By comparison, Dowtherm A® and Therminol VP-1® are vaporizing fluids with a boiling point of about 495°F. They will provide vapor of 600°F at 30 PSIG, and 700°F at 91 PSIG. As a result, process heating with organic vaporizing fluids provides high operating temperatures at low pressures.
   ®Dowtherm is a registered trademark of Dow Chemical Co.
   ®Therminol is a registered trademark of Monsanto Co.
2. Simplified Systems
   Systems can be designed for gravity return of condensate to vaporizer to eliminate traps and feed pumps.
3. High Heat Transfer Rates
   Vapor at high temperatures will provide heat transfer rates. This permits (a) increased capacity, (b) decreased equipment size, and (c) decrease in time to reach the desired product temperature.
4. Reduced Fuel Costs
   Heat transfer is more efficient than in direct-fired process heaters. Therefore, less fuel is used to heat an equal quantity of product.
5. Precise Temperature Control
   Since the temperature of the vapor is a fuction of the operating pressure, simple pressure controls can be used to regulate burner input on vaporizers.
6. Longer Equipment Life
   A jacketed kettle or reactor using vaporizing thermal fluids is subjected only to controlled temperatures well within the design capabilities of the metal. The higher metal temperatures encountered with direct-fired product containers reduce the life of the containers.
7. Fire Hazard Reduced
   Hazards created by direct-fired heating systems are eliminated by using high temperature vapor supplied by remotely-located vaporizer. Combustion is remote from flammable product.
8. Better Temperature Control
   Since vapor at any given pressure is at a constant temperature, a uniform product temperature can be maintained. Product damage due to overheating can be eliminated.
9. High Operating Temperatures
   First Thermal Vaporizers can operate with vapor temperatures as high as 700°F.

Design & Construction Features

Two Pass Firetube Design
A large diameter furnace provides maximum strength and good heat transfer with low heat release rates. Gases from the furnace reverse direction in the large rear refractory lined chamber and travel forward through firetubes welded to the tube sheets.

The extra large vapor space provides room for expansion and eliminates carry-over to ensure liquid-free vapor.

Flanged cleanout openings provide access to the liquid side. Removable doors provide access to the fire side.

High Heat Transfer
Continuous, vigorous circulation of the fluid scrubs the heating surfaces thereby increasing efficiency of heat transfer and keeping heat exchange surfaces clean.

Natural Circulation
While organic heat transfer fluids will withstand high temperatures without appreciable decomposition, some slight breakdown may be expected if used near the maximum rated temperature. However, the vigorous natural circulation and conservative heat transfer rates of First Thermal Heaters firetube vaporizers permit trouble-free operation for many years without appreciable fluid degradation. This ensures a dependable process heating system with minimum downtime and low maintenance.

Efficient Burners
All First Thermal vaporizers are equipped with highly efficient and dependable burners that are selected specifically to match the design and duty of each vaporizer. Burners are available for firing on gas, light oil, heavy oil, combination gas/light oil, or combination gas/heavy oil.

Automatic Operation
Vaporizer and burners safeguards are provided as standard equipment. All units feature an electronic control center and the firing cycle is automatically programmed for maximum safety with minimum supervision.

All Welded Construction
First Thermal Vaporizers are of double-welded steel construction to meet rated working pressures easily. Welds are x-rayed and the entire vaporizer shell stress-relieved to provide the most up-to-date construction available. This extra care in construction minimizes downtime and reduces maintenance costs.

Tubes Fit Tight
Firetubes are parallel rolled and then welded to the tube sheets to ensure a full contact fit for longer life and the elimination of leakage.

ASME Construction
Design, materials, construction, workmanship, testing and inspection meet or exceed all applicable rules and regulations of Section 1 of the ASME Code. Each vaporizer is inspected and is registered with the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.

Easy Installation
Every Vaporizer is assembled as a packaged unit and shipped fully assembled where economical shipment allows. It may be necessary, however, to remove some components to prevent damage in shipment. With this packaged concept, installation is simplified and installation costs are kept to a minimum.

Special Options
First Thermal Heaters Vaporizers can be equipped with controls and components for outdoor operation, for explosion proof or other hazardous atmospheres, for chemical or salt atmospheres, for special insurance requirements, or to meet many other conditions as detailed in customer specifications.

Typical Applications for Organic Fluid Vapor Systems:

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First Thermal Heaters

1100 Industrial Blvd. Chattanooga, TN. 37405-0756 Phone: (800)665-4251, (502)962-2883 Fax: (502)969-9028 email: mail@first-thermal.com