Heating Function

Rich DEG from the contactor at 40-70°C contains absorbed water requiring regeneration. Preheating to 80-110°C before entering the regenerator reduces reboiler heat duty and improves stripping efficiency. The heater provides initial temperature rise using recovered heat from hot lean glycol or external heating medium, optimizing energy balance and enhancing water removal effectiveness.

Design Configuration

Shell-and-tube construction with rich glycol on tube side and heating medium on shell side. Heat source typically hot lean glycol in integrated heat recovery design, reducing overall system energy consumption. Alternative heating using steam or thermal fluid where heat integration is not employed. ERGIL sizes heaters based on glycol circulation rate and required temperature rise with typical duties 0.5-5 MMBTU/hr.

Heat Recovery Integration

Combined rich-lean glycol heat exchange maximizes energy efficiency. Hot lean DEG at 160-180°C from regenerator cools while preheating cold rich glycol. This recuperation reduces reboiler fuel consumption 50-70% significantly improving operating economics. Single exchanger handles both streams or separate units depending on system design and temperature requirements.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for DEG service. Stainless steel for applications with corrosive contaminants or high temperatures. Design accommodates thermal expansion during temperature cycling. Tube-side configuration enables cleaning if fouling occurs from glycol degradation products. Construction per ASME Section VIII standards with appropriate pressure ratings.

Applications

Gas dehydration systems using diethylene glycol for water removal in production facilities, gas plants, and pipeline conditioning. DEG systems offer lower vapor losses than TEG at elevated pressures. Serves glycol circulation rates 2-100 GPM across diverse gas processing applications requiring efficient thermal integration.

Control Features

Temperature monitoring ensures adequate preheating for regeneration efficiency. Control integration with regenerator optimizes overall glycol reconcentration. Bypass provisions enable operation during varying loads or startup conditions. Simple reliable operation with minimal maintenance requirements.

Performance Benefits

Reduces reboiler energy consumption through effective heat recovery. Improves regenerator performance via proper feed temperature. Lowers operating costs with rapid payback on heat integration investment. Essential component in energy-efficient DEG dehydration systems. Proven technology with extensive field application.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII or TEMA standards with materials suitable for glycol service. Removable tube bundles where cleaning access required. Hydrostatic testing validates integrity. Complete documentation with heat transfer calculations and performance specifications.

ERGIL rich DEG heaters deliver dependable preheating optimizing diethylene glycol regeneration efficiency and reducing dehydration system energy consumption through effective thermal integration.