This query relates to problems related to boiling in a crude oil heater. This heater operates intermittently downstream of a crude oil pipeline. The heater uses LP steam, and the crude which feeds a downstream tank (at 1.1 bara) has a bubble point of 85°C at 1 bara. The crude skin temperature is > 85°C at low flows but then above 20% flow it falls below this.
If some limited boiling occurs in the heater is this a problem and why?
If some limited boiling occurs in the heater is this a problem and why?
