There are certain applications where the equipment does not require a special coating or material . “ If you send something offshore that is not galvanized or coated , the heat exchanger will have a short service life . When coatings are implemented correctly , it maximizes the equipment ’ s service life and reduces the cost of repairs .” |
Coatings used for offshore equipment is specialized . “ We regularly use a phenolic coating that has a good salt spray test , or alternatively , an electrodeposition is utilized . This is also known as an e-coat . The process of employing an e-coat consists of applying a protective layer to a metal object using an electrical current . This gives the equipment a corrosions resistant finish ,” he shared . “ Getting applications serviced for offshore equipment is a much more complicated endeavor than onshore .”
Material Selection for Heat Exchangers
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exchangers use copper or aluminum for the heat transfer material and carbon for the structure . Specialized exchangers for offshore or marine projects can use copper nickel , brass , galvanized steel , or titanium . Other industries , such as food or pharmaceutical grade typically utilize stainless steel with special requirements . “ It really comes down to the application in order to determine the material that needs to be used , based on certain specifications ,” he added .
Most heat exchangers have a steel support structure . “ High pressure heat transfer equipment has to be strong enough to hold the desired pressure , which drives material selection and thicknesses ” said Dillon . “ We use stainless steel for corrosion resistance on certain applications from natural gas projects , guarding on offshore projects , and some seawater applications . Certain projects will require titanium or inconels for more demanding applications .
Common Challenges
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“ For example , welding can sometimes bring forth a challenge . There was a point in time where it was difficult to employ welders ,” explained Dillon . “ We had to go to another company to get our parts welded and send it back to the customer .” Ultimately , the customer wants a successful job done . “ They do not want to hear that we do not have the time or capability to do something , so that enables us to get creative and be able to pivot quickly to different solutions .” This leads to maneuvering around and finding new people to work with on an as-needed basis .
Future of the Industry
“ Emissions are a big part of the future of the industry ,” commented Dillon . “ All manufacturers and service shops are compliant with Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) on all manufacturing processes . Emissions monitoring is changing our industry , but it is also helping it . We have done a lot of work with oil and gas , and we are now seeing a lot of that become electrified .” However , this also leads to a power demand increase . “ Anything that makes power , makes heat , and that is where I come in . Even a lot of our carbon capture systems have heat exchangers of some type . Overall , there will be a shift in our day-to-day tasks , especially when it comes to the oil field .”
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When asked about words of wisdom for newcomers in the industry , Dillon said , “ I have three facets of advice : do not be afraid to fail , continue your education , and keep going . We have had projects that we have had to rebuild ; projects that may not have been perfect , and that is okay . The mindset that you cannot fail held me back at first , especially when it came to cold calling . But eventually I realized that making mistakes is a vital learning process ,” he added . Dillon expressed the importance of attending industry events , networking , and ongoing learning . “ Staying up to date with conferences and tradeshows can be immensely rewarding for those who are just entering the industry . Make sure you meet new people , and no matter what , do not give up .” |
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Heat exchangers have a wide variety of materials . “ Material selection can be a tricky question . If you are looking at a pressure vessel with API 660 or 661 , it has a different material selection and design than a non-coded exchanger . A lot of the time it depends on the size of the equipment ” said Dillon . A lot of heat |
Since the COVID-19 pandemic , the supply chain has been a point of frustration . “ I started this position two years before COVID , so I have seen the supply chain working from all sides ,” said Dillon . “ The supply chain will appear to have recovered from COVID , and then it will be clear that it has not .” When the delivery of components |