Plan 21/23 Heat Exchangers 1

[HoustonMechEngr]

Trying to get a feel as to how often you guys utilize an in-line flow meter on the cooling water supply upstream of the heat exchanger on a plan 21/23? I know the seal vendors typically require a certain cooling water flow to achieve "X" amount of temperature cooling and none of our exchangers have flow meters on the cooling water supply. What are your typical plan 21/23 installations like?

 

[gyaneshwarp]

Normally flowmeters are not used in Plan 21 or 23.
In Plan 21 you may use Orifice to control the flow. normally 3 to 5 lpm flow is recommended by seal manufacturers. An orifice can be designed for desired deltaP and flow.
In Plan 23 flow need not be measured. Only soaked heat and heat generated by seal is to be removed. If you tell me the seal size , RPM and pressure, I may tell you the size of the heat exchanger to be used (i.e. how many kW heat is to be removed).

 

[HoustonMechEngr]

Thanks for the input by I think you misunderstood my question. I am wondering what types of flow control are typically used for the cooling water supply to the exchanger. I realize that through a plan 21, a flow orifice is typically used and of course a pumping ring for the plan 23 is used.

I am more concerned with how to monitor and control cooling water supply to the exchanger. DO most of you just simply use a site gauge or an actual flow meter to ensure you have adequate cooling water flow to the exchanger?

 

[Pumpsonly]

A flow meter for the cooling water is not necessary. But if you have extra $$$ to splash it is acceptable. Normally a sight flow indicator will be enough. The cooling water flow requirement is only estimated based on the designed condition which invariably will be different in actual operation. The cooling water flow rate are adjusted to give the require temp of the flushing liquid during normal operation. Installing a TI after the cooler is a more appropriate.

 

[gyaneshwarp]

If you are concerned with cooling water quantity and how to remove the heat of the same. My recommendation will be that you go for natural draft air cooler.
This will solve your water related problems.

 

[Airsporter1st]

The usual way of determining if there is enough cooling water flow is by measurement of the seal loop in/out temperatures and the cooling water in/out temperatures. This can be easily done by use of contact RTD on the piping. Actual temperatures inside can be as much as 20 degC higher so that has to be borne in mind.