Natural gas electric (indirect) heater

[supermax]

I have to design a very unusual natural gas heater for a sea platform skid, that shall be structured in this way:

- A jacketed vertical vessel with dyatermic oil inside, heated by an electric resistance, provided by a on-off device;

- A natural gas flux trough the jacket, where the gas has to be heated up to a fixed temperature value.

It seems that I have two kinds of heat transfer process, supposing to keep the diatermic oil temperature at a constant value:

- a natural convection from the diatermic oil side to the jacket wall;

- a forced convection between the natural gas and the jacket inside wall.

I am trying to find an equation system that allow me to size and design this kind of gas heater and perhaps I found it using the Kern books, but I'm not sure.
This is an AGIP standard gas heater, but I was'nt able to find any refereces about it; I wonder if someone knows an experienced system to calculate ad size it.

 

[TD2K]

Armstrong designs and manufacturers direct electric heaters for HP gas service.

http://www.rmarmstrong.com/eheater.htm

Sorry, I don't have any specific design references for you.

 

[25362]

From personal experience Armstrong-Chemtec are very good for electric heaters. I strongly support TD2K's advice.

 

[PremP]

Dear Supermax,
Do you need the answer only for this type of design or substitute will do.
We have a indirect type natural gas heater which maintains the outlet gas temp to the required setpoint.(55 DegC)
in this water is heated by using the same gas in the burners and water is heated up to @70 Deg C and gas is passed through the hot water and heat is exchanged to heat up the gas.
If any further info needs, contact.
HP.

 

[supermax]

Thank you PremP, but I can't choose a different heater because of the supply specifications that the client gave me.
Thanks to all of you for your answers.

 

[CraigTiras]

Supermax,

You can go to

http://www.IntegraHeat.com

and size a custom built electric process heater using your information.

Regards,

Craig