Cooling Function

HVO hydroprocessing reactors operate at 300-400°C converting vegetable oils and fats into renewable diesel or SAF. Product exits reactors at elevated temperature requiring cooling to 40-60°C for safe storage and transportation. The trim cooler provides final temperature reduction after primary heat recovery systems, delivering product at specification while preventing vapor formation and tank overheating.

Design Configuration

Shell-and-tube construction with HVO product on tube side enabling cleaning access and cooling medium on shell side. Multiple tube passes optimize heat transfer efficiency. ERGIL engineers coolers based on product flow rate, inlet temperature from upstream heat recovery, target outlet temperature, and available cooling utilities with typical duties 2-15 MMBTU/hr.

Cooling Systems

Water-cooled units using cooling tower water provide efficient heat removal in compact design. Air-cooled exchangers employ finned tube bundles with fans for water-scarce locations or where air cooling economics favor capital savings. Material selection addresses HVO product characteristics including paraffinic nature and operating pressures typically 50-300 psig.

Material Selection

Stainless steel construction resists corrosion from renewable diesel and trace acids. Tube materials selected for thermal cycling and cleaning access. Design accommodates thermal expansion during temperature variations. Constructed per ASME Section VIII standards with materials suitable for clean hydrocarbon service and elevated temperatures.

Applications

Renewable diesel production facilities processing waste oils and fats, sustainable aviation fuel plants converting bio-feedstocks, co-processing units in refineries blending renewable feeds with petroleum, and stand-alone HVO facilities across capacities from 5,000 to 100,000 BPD production rates.

Control Features

Temperature control modulates cooling water flow or air fan speed maintaining precise outlet temperature. Prevents overcooling that could affect product pour point or cloud point characteristics. Outlet monitoring ensures storage specification compliance. Integration with upstream heat recovery optimizes overall thermal efficiency.

Performance Benefits

Enables safe product storage preventing vapor losses and thermal damage to tanks. Supports heat integration recovering energy in upstream exchangers before final trim cooling. Reliable operation ensures consistent product quality meeting renewable fuel specifications. Materials suitable for long-term service in clean hydrocarbon applications.

ERGIL HVO trim coolers deliver dependable final cooling for renewable fuels ensuring safe storage conditions and product quality in sustainable energy production.