Heating Requirements

Gas pressure reduction through regulators causes temperature drop via Joule-Thomson expansion, potentially reaching -20°C or lower depending on pressure differential. This cooling forms ice hydrates blocking equipment and freezing instrument lines causing operational failures. Preheating gas to 15-40°C before regulation prevents these issues ensuring continuous safe operation across ambient conditions.

Heater Types

Indirect water bath heaters circulate heated glycol or water around submerged gas coils providing uniform heating without direct flame contact. Shell-and-tube heat exchangers use hot water, steam, or thermal fluid as heating medium with gas flowing through tubes. Direct-fired heaters employ burners heating gas through coil tubes offering independence from utility systems. Electric immersion or circulation heaters provide precise control for smaller flows.

Design Features

ERGIL sizes heaters based on gas flow rate, inlet temperature, pressure drop, and required outlet temperature typically 20-50°C. Heat duty calculations account for ambient conditions and expansion cooling. Materials handle operating pressures to 1500 psig with carbon steel or stainless steel construction. Temperature control prevents overheating while maintaining minimum safe levels.

Control Systems

Automated temperature controllers modulate heating medium flow, burner firing, or electric power maintaining precise outlet gas temperature. High-temperature shutdown protects against overheating. Bypass valves enable temperature trimming during varying loads. Integration with pressure regulation controls optimizes overall station performance.

Applications

Gas turbine fuel gas conditioning, city gate stations reducing transmission pressure for distribution, industrial facility pressure regulation, meter stations requiring temperature control for accurate measurement, and any application with significant pressure reduction. Serves power generation, manufacturing, commercial facilities with capacities 500-100,000 SCFH.

Construction Standards

Equipment per ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels or ASME B31.3 for piping systems. Fired heaters comply with applicable safety codes. Materials selected for gas composition including sour service when required. Insulation minimizes heat loss and provides personnel protection. Seismic design per site requirements.

Performance Benefits

Prevents costly hydrate blockages and equipment damage ensuring continuous operation. Protects instruments and controls from freezing failures. Maintains accurate metering through stable gas temperature. Energy-efficient designs minimize heating costs. Reliable proven technology with low maintenance requirements.

ERGIL fuel gas heaters deliver dependable temperature control protecting pressure regulation equipment and ensuring safe reliable gas supply across diverse industrial applications.