Design of External Heating Coils for API 650 Tanks

[Regi1989]

Hi! I am doing a study for full-pipe, half-pipe, and jacketed design of external coils for atmospheric tanks. I am new on this. Is there any Standard Code specific for this design? I searched API 650 yet I found none. I asked the Client for the required steam condition and still waiting for their response. Is there any other data I need from the Client? Thanks guys.

 

[bimr]

Pressurized heat exchangers are normally designed to a pressure vessel design code such as ASME VIII.

 

[LittleInch]

So basically you want to heat or keep hot the contents of a tank by heating the outside skin?

In short, this is only basic pipe design if I understand you and not a heat exchanger, which would be a pressure vessel.

Not quite sure what you mean by jacketed design - this is normally to jacket pipes, but no - there is no code I am aware of for something like this. in most cases either internal coils or flowing out through a HX and then back again is far more cost effective and effective in doing the task

You will possibly need to do some FE analysis if the pipe or half shells are welded to your tank especially if they get significantly hotter than the tank.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[MJCronin]

For an API-650 style tank, I do not understand what a "full pipe design for external heating coils" means .... Please explain

The proper design of heating coils for a bulk liquid storage tank depends on many factors.

Any steam heating system design must consider the nature of the liquid; the expected heat loss; possible liquid heatup time; condensate drainage and cleaning maintenance.

Some questions that must be answered are:

1) Liquid stored, maintenance temperature, max/min temperature and specific heat.
2) Tank volume, geographic location, H/D configuration, type insulation possible, tank venting
3) Available Steam volume, temperature and pressure
4) Tank mixers in use ?
5) Is the liquid delivered cool and must the tank heat up the liquid to a higher temperature in a specific time ?
6) Is the liquid subject to "coking" or burning ? If so, at what temperature ?
7) Materials of construction required

More information = better answers

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[Duwe6]

Almost "no-such-animal" for an external Hx for tanks. They work poorly, are expensive, and are thus a poor idea.

Look up 'bayonet heaters' for the standard heat input device.