Kurita America launches dropwise condensation technology in North America

Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology is dosed continuously into the steam line in front of the target heat exchanger to increase the water repellency of surfaces, which greatly enhances heat transfer efficiency. At the same time, steam consumption can be reduced, which leads to decrease fuel consumption and ultimately, lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The steam generated from the boiler releases latent heat when condensing on the surface of the heat exchanger and stays in a film form. This is a significant factor inhibiting heat conduction in production processes. Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology eliminates this thin water film, and can reduce steam consumption by 5 – 10%, according to Kurita’s field results.

“We are very excited to offer this unique technology to our customers here in the US and Canada,” said Joe Hoyt, Director of Heavy Industry. “Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology has helped our customers around the world cut costs while also reducing water use and carbon emissions.”

Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology is part of a portfolio of Value+ solutions that refers to specific products, technologies, and business models that are highly effective in saving water and reducing GHG emissions and industrial waste. Kurita’s Value+ technologies also help improve plant productivity and profitability across multiple industries, including paper & pulp, oil and gas, and chemical and hydrocarbon production processes.

In a case study, Kurita worked with a customer to find a solution for their challenges, which included Kurita Dropwise Condensation Technology. Kurita Dropwise is dosed continuously into the steam line in front of the target heat exchanger. It creates a water-repellent film on the heat transfer surfaces, which can improve the heat transfer coefficient on the steam side of the exchanger. The improved heat transfer can increase productivity, improve reliability, and reduce energy use.

At this location, Kurita Dropwise was continuously injected into the steam line downstream of the steam turbine of the hydrogen recycle at a rate of 20 milligrams per litre (mg/L) to steam. Kurita used past operation data as a baseline for comparison to after the application of this technology. The result was an increase of hydrogen output from the centrifugal compressor and reduced steam consumption relative to degree of vacuum.

Injecting Kurita Dropwise provided the plant with positive results. As shown in the figure below, after the application, the flow rate of the compressor increased by about 16% on average, and the problem was solved. The output of the hydrogen recycle compressor was significantly improved. It optimised the mixing ratio of hydrogen and residue feed, which helped maintain stable operations.

Additionally, the application of this technology suppressed the deterioration of the degree of vacuum, introduced more steam into the turbine, and — as a result — improved the output of the compressor. Kurita Dropwise also helps customers reduce energy consumption and costs. When the plant load is low, the effect of steam reduction can be obtained. It is an important initiative for realising a sustainable society.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/28102024/kurita-america-launches-dropwise-condensation-technology-in-north-america/