U TURN PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER
U-Turn is a liquid separator especially designed for use with plate heat exchangers in ammonia applications. The module – including the separator and plate heat exchanger ensures minimum pressure drop losses and maximum energy efficiency.
Alfa Laval U-Turn is designed to utilize the very best from Alfa Laval’s plate heat exchanger technology. Installed above, the self-contained U-Turn can be easily mounted onto the compatible plate heat exchanger. It can cover ammonia capacities from 200 to 1400 kW at 0°C evaporation temperature and from 50 to 500 kW at -40°C evaporation temperature.
The module provides an effective and compact installation with less vertical rise and smaller overall dimensions than any other solution.
Main design features
- Compact dimensions
- Shorter height and length allowing installation onsite without dismantling
- No additional support is needed, as the U-Turn separator is supported entirely by the plate heat exchanger
- Easy maintenance, as both sides of the plate heat exchanger are fully accessible.
- All ammonia connections access the same side which makes installation easy
- Integrated oil drain
- Stainless steel ensuring corrosion resistance and no need of surface treatment
Alfa Laval U-Turn separator
- It ensures efficient separation – due to the use of four different separation methods.
- The short vertical ammonia driving columns, allowing small temperature approaches and high system efficiency.
- Sliding support allows thermal expansion, ensuring no thermal tensions build up.
- Significant oil pot volume in standard execution enough for manual drain.
- Separation based on droplet size 0.15 mm.
- Margin for separation is 25% plus one nominal diameter.
- Maximum separation gas velocity is restricted to 60% of the re-entrainment velocity, avoiding liquid brought back to the gas flow.
- Extra safety margin from 180° U-bend.