Proximity of Heat Exchanger to Fired Equipment 1

[MikeL3]

My question is whether there is an industry standard such as an API standard or OSHA requirement that addresses how close a heat exchanger can be to a fired heater and what issues should be considered in the process.

 

[dcasto]

The GPSA Engineering Data Book has such tables Chapter 18. It is a several tables over the years from the Insurance Institute of America and finally GE Global Asset Protection Services.

Dow Chemical had their own risk assesment program that calculated the cost of damage associated with spacing that takes into account several techniquics to mitigate the risk other than spacing. The bottom line, equipment spacing is up to you! OSHA doesn't care if you burndown your plant, just so long as nobody is hurt in the process.

API has some spacings guidlines for platforms.