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Working hand in hand to move innovation forward
Sanicro ® 35™ ( UNS N08935 ) Tubes Seal Welded to a Super Duplex ( UNS S32750 ) Tubesheet using an ASME Code Approved GTAW Process .
After many years of working on a new super-austenitic alloy , the time was right for its first commercial application . Confident collaboration between the material manufacturer , the fabricator , and the end user ensured a successful outcome .
By Dinesh Bakshi , Brask Inc ., and Jennifer Svensson , Alleima
A hot market The acceleration of economies around the world after more than two years of the pandemic is boosting the demand for refined products . It is also increasing the need for components and services to support their production . For example , the global shell and tube heat exchanger market , estimated at $ 5.68 billion in 2019 , is expected to grow by more than 6 % by 2027 1 . This is due to several factors . These include a greater focus on thermal efficiency in industries including oil & gas , power generation , chemical and petrochemical , food and beverage , and HVAC and refrigeration . Many processes in petrochemical facilities involve high pressure and temperature . Optimized heat transfer and the enhancement of energy savings are critical . The U . S . dominated North American heat exchanger demand in 2021 2 . This was due to high electricity demand , industrialization , and investments in renewable power generation . In this period of demand growth , technological advances to improve energy efficiency , total life cycle cost , and the durability of heat exchangers are essential . As end customers seek ever-greater cost efficiencies from their suppliers , collaboration between trusted manufacturers and fabricators can generate significant financial and performance benefits .
The challenge Alleima , formerly Sandvik Materials Technology , is a world-leading developer and manufacturer of advanced stainless steels and special alloys . The company recently secured an order to supply tubes for two heat exchangers used in a crude unit fractionator at a major refining company on the U . S . Gulf Coast . The refinery had a history of significant corrosion challenges in its heat exchangers over several years . Hydrochloric acid condensation was causing localized corrosion , pitting , and fouling . Improper water wash for the system was generating salt formations . Previously , the bundles had been made from hyper duplex stainless steel tubes . However , the refinery ’ s challenging process conditions , and the need for a material that could significantly extend the life of the tubes , called for an even higher corrosion-resistant alloy . It was time for a new solution .
A progressive partnership The development of a new material takes several years of research and development . It begins with a
20 Heat Exchanger World February 2023