Heat Transfer in Refinery Processes

Heat exchangers in refinery crude distillation units gradually lose efficiency due to fouling deposits. This fouling reduces heat transfer, increases energy consumption, and eventually forces shutdown for cleaning, representing a major cost in refinery operations.

A refinery was experiencing declining heat exchanger performance in their crude distillation unit heat train. Fouling deposits were building up faster than planned maintenance intervals could address, leading to increased furnace duty and higher energy costs.

After installing Merus Rings on the heat train feed lines, fouling rates decreased measurably. The heat exchangers maintained their design performance for longer periods, extending the intervals between cleaning shutdowns.