Reboiler Function

Bottom liquid from the fractionation column circulates through the reboiler where heat vaporizes lighter components. Vapor returns to the column providing upward traffic that strips light hydrocarbons from descending liquid. Proper reboiler duty maintains separation efficiency achieving specified overhead and bottom product compositions. ERGIL sizes reboilers for required heat duty typically 0.5 to 30 MMBTU/hr depending on column capacity and separation requirements.

Reboiler Types

Thermosiphon reboilers use natural circulation driven by density difference between hot vapor-liquid mixture and cooler column liquid. Kettle reboilers provide large vapor disengagement space with immersed tube bundle. Forced circulation systems employ pumps for applications requiring high heat flux or where thermosiphon driving force is insufficient. ERGIL selects configuration based on column design, heat duty, and available elevation.

Heating Methods

Fire tube reboilers with natural gas or fuel oil burners provide direct heating and utility independence. Thermal fluid or hot oil systems deliver uniform heating without combustion at the vessel. Steam reboilers use plant steam in shell-and-tube configurations offering clean, controllable heating. Electric immersion heaters suit smaller capacities where precise control and emissions elimination are priorities.

Design Considerations

Heat transfer calculations determine tube surface area requirements. Tube-side velocities prevent fouling while avoiding excessive pressure drop. Shell-side design ensures proper vapor-liquid separation preventing liquid carryover. Materials handle hydrocarbon service at operating temperatures typically 100-200°C. Construction per ASME Section VIII or TEMA standards with full code compliance.

Control Systems

Temperature control modulates fuel input, steam flow, or thermal fluid circulation maintaining column bottom temperature and separation efficiency. Automated systems adjust heat duty based on feed rate and composition changes. High-temperature protection prevents overheating damage. Level controls in kettle reboilers maintain proper liquid inventory.

Applications

Condensate stabilization removing C1-C4 components, deethanizer columns separating ethane from heavier hydrocarbons, depropanizer systems producing LPG, debutanizer units fractionating butane from gasoline, and specialty fractionation across gas processing plants, refineries, and petrochemical facilities handling 500 to 100,000 BPD throughput.

Performance Features

Efficient heat transfer minimizes energy consumption. Reliable operation ensures continuous column performance. Designed for 20+ year service life with proper maintenance. Proven technology across diverse fractionation applications. Factory testing validates thermal performance before shipment.

ERGIL fractionation reboilers deliver dependable thermal duty ensuring optimal distillation performance and product quality in hydrocarbon separation operations.