Compressor aftercooler cleanliness criteria

[dmertz]

API 661 does not mention any specific flushing/cleanliness criteria for air-cooled heat exchangers, in this case a compressor aftercooler. The only criteria it has is for the cooler to be "free of foreign matter."

I understand that if the client has a specific cleanliness for their gas, that drives the cleanliness requirement. However, I was wondering if anyone had a "typical" cleanliness or flushing requirement for process gas coolers.

Our company is used to doing API 614 flushing on lube oil coolers so was wondering if there was something similar for gas coolers.

 

[RotaryG]

Everyone has their own standards. Some people use a 100 micron nominal mesh in the temporary strainer at the suction of the compressor. So, that should give you an idea of the cleanliness required in the aftercooler (The compressor recycle line is, usually, connected at the downstream of the after cooler). One must also note that if the compressor uses dry gas seals, typically, a 5 micron filter is used in the sealing gas line. Whatever you do, install a DP indicator across the strainers and position someone there to watch how quickly the needle is moving!

Weigh the nuisance cost of cleaning the wretched cooler to the potential headache of having to rebuild the compressor and/or the seals.

 

[Bribyk]

There is an SAE standard related to cleanliness of engine intercoolers that may give you some direction.

Brian Bobyk - Hoerbiger Canada