What is the difference between a Surface Condenser and an Overhead Condenser?
Dr. Javier Blasco Alberto
![Dr. Javier Blasco Alberto]()
Dr. Javier Blasco Alberto
Associate Professor at School of Engineering and Architecture (Univ. Zaragoza)
There is not much difference in them from a basic standpoint. Both are "Shell & Tube Exchangers". Both normally have Cooling Water in the Tubes and the commodity to be cooled in the Shell. The big difference is where they are located, their relative size, what they are associated with and what the Shell commodity is.
Other differences are:
A Surface Condenser:
- They are located at Grade
- They are normally single shell 3 to 4 meters in diameter
- They are located under a very large Condensing Steam Turbine used to drive a Generator or Compressor
- The Shell Commodity is always Steam
Overhead Condenser:
- They are normally located high in a Structure next to a tall Fractionation Column or Tower (Vessel)
- They are most often multiple shells 1 meter in diameter arranged stacked 2 in series/2 in parallel
- They take the overhead vapor line from the column and condense the vapor and pass it on to the Overhead Accumulator Vessel
- The Shell Commodity is normally hydrocarbon.
Experienced Chemical Engineer with 17+ years in Methanol, HYCO Unit, Refinery Projects, and Oil & Gas Sector. Dedicated to mentoring young engineers.
6 年Nice article
There are others 2 standards: FOSTER WHEELER Process Std 301 and 704.. And for complementing 2 articles: "Troubleshooting vacuum operation of an inter-after condenser unit in an ethylene plant" (Hydrocarbon Processing, August 2017 edition, by WIESLAW, NICHOLS, LIEBERMAN and JOHNSON) and "Key design consideration for vacuum process condensers" (Hydrocarbon Processing, January 2017 edition, by LINES).. They are for complementing the difference between surface condenser and overhead condenser
"Steam surface condensers shall be constructed in accordance with HEI 10 (standard for steam surface condenser)". Source: SHELL DEP 31.21.01.30-Gen. May 2004. SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS
Maybe this standards can help: API611, API612, NEMA SM-23-1979, ASME PTC6-1976
CSU & DCS panel operator (seeking new job opportunity)
6 年Interesting