Heat is a common byproduct of industrial and manufacturing processes. Heat exchangers are used to heat and cool large-scale processing fluids and equipment. They are customisable to any industrial process based on temperature, pressure, fluid type, flow, density, chemical composition, viscosity, and a variety of other thermodynamic parameters. Oil and gas heat exchanger manufacturers play a vital role in the ongoing effectiveness of this complex industrial process.
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Heat exchangers are classified as recuperative or regenerative (static/dynamic). Indirect recuperative exchangers include tubes/pipes and plates/fins while direct recuperative exchangers include cooling towers and steam injectors.
Types of heat exchangers used in the oil and gas industry
There are various types of heat exchangers used in oil and gas applications comprising shell and tube exchangers; plate heat exchangers comprising a stack of thin plates; double pipe heat exchangers; and condensers, evaporators, and boilers.
The most prevalent application in the oil and gas industry is for shell and tube exchangers, which are a collection of tubes encased within a pressurised outer shell. To achieve heat exchange, a fluid is channelled largely from the hot process through the smaller tubes and the other through the outer shell.
Heat exchangers are used in the oil and gas production process for a variety of applications such as preheating, hating, and drying, steam generation, crude oil cooling, and condensing, vapour recovery, oil refining process, selective catalytic reduction units, hot oil/heat transfer systems, fuel gas conditioning skids, and lube oil systems.
Some of the criteria evaluated while designing and selecting a heat exchanger include fluid type such as air, water, or oil; fluid stream and its properties; thermal output demand, size, and cost.
According to GlobalData‘s contracts database, Alfa Laval is the top heat exchanger provider to the oil and gas industry, followed by Chart Industries.
Other key suppliers include Larsen & Toubro, Koch Heat Transfer, KNM Group, Air Products and Chemicals, Loyal Equipment, Heatric UK, Linde, Danfoss, API Heat Transfer, Kurgankhimmash, Fischer Maschinen- und Apparatebau, and Kelvion.
Finding the best oil and gas heat exchanger manufacturers
Offshore Technology has listed leading suppliers of heat exchangers, based on analysis of GlobalData’s oil and gas contracts database.
From shell and tube exchanger to plate heat exchangers, the list covers suppliers for applications in the oil and gas industry.
The information contained within the download document is designed for general maintenance contractors, procurement managers, facility managers, HAZOP managers, maintenance and safety managers, EPC contractors, and any other individual involved in the manufacturing process, inspection, HAZOP and other users of heat exchangers at oil and gas facilities.
The free Buyers Guide is available to download and contains detailed information on the suppliers and their product lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing decision.
For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:
Frequently asked questions
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What are the different types of heat exchangers used in offshore oil and gas operations?
In offshore oil and gas operations, heat exchangers are vital for regulating temperatures in processes like crude oil cooling and steam generation. Common types include shell and tube exchangers, plate heat exchangers, and double-pipe systems. Each type is chosen based on the specific process needs, such as fluid types, temperatures, and pressure requirements.
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How do shell and tube heat exchangers function in the oil industry?
Shell and tube exchangers are the most commonly used in the industry. They consist of a bundle of tubes enclosed in a shell, where one fluid flows through the tubes while another flows around them. This design allows efficient heat transfer, making it ideal for applications like preheating crude oil or cooling down gas streams.
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What factors should be considered when selecting a heat exchanger for offshore operations?
Key considerations include the type of fluid being processed, operating temperatures, pressure, material compatibility, and the physical space available on offshore platforms. Corrosion resistance is critical due to the harsh marine environment, and heat exchangers must also comply with safety and environmental regulations.
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What role do heat exchangers play in energy efficiency for offshore facilities?
Heat exchangers help offshore facilities reduce energy consumption by capturing and reusing heat from one part of the process to another. For example, waste heat from turbines or compressors can be reused to preheat fluids or produce steam, improving overall energy efficiency.
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Who are the leading suppliers of heat exchangers for offshore industries?
Top suppliers include Alfa Laval, Chart Industries, Larsen & Toubro, and Heatric UK, among others. These companies offer advanced solutions tailored to the unique needs of the oil and gas sector, ensuring reliability and efficiency in harsh offshore environments.