Reboiler Function

Bottom liquid from the naphtha stabilizer circulates through the reboiler where controlled heating vaporizes butane and lighter hydrocarbons. Vapor returns to the column providing upward traffic that strips volatile components from descending liquid. Proper heat input maintains separation efficiency achieving Reid Vapor Pressure specifications typically 9-14 psi for stabilized naphtha while maximizing butane recovery in overhead product.

Design Configuration

Thermosiphon reboilers use natural circulation driven by density difference between heated vapor-liquid mixture and cooler column liquid. Kettle reboilers provide vapor disengagement space with horizontal tube bundle immersed in naphtha. ERGIL selects configuration based on column elevation, heat duty requirements typically 2-15 MMBTU/hr, and operating pressure 50-200 psig. Shell-and-tube construction per ASME Section VIII or TEMA standards.

Heating Methods

Steam reboilers use medium-pressure steam 150-250 psig condensing on shell side with naphtha boiling on tube side. Thermal fluid systems circulate hot oil providing uniform heating without steam requirements. Fire tube units employ direct heating for sites without utility infrastructure. ERGIL engineers heating system based on available utilities, capacity, and site preferences ensuring reliable performance.

Material Selection

Carbon steel construction suitable for hydrocarbon service with corrosion allowances. Tube materials selected for thermal cycling and fouling resistance. Removable tube bundles enable mechanical cleaning when fouling occurs. Design accommodates thermal expansion preventing stress-related failures during temperature variations.

Applications

Refinery naphtha stabilization reducing vapor pressure for storage tank operations, gas plant C5+ stabilization producing stable natural gasoline, condensate fractionation separating light ends from heavy naphtha, and petrochemical facilities processing pyrolysis gasoline. Serves facilities processing 1,000-50,000 BPD naphtha streams.

Control Integration

Temperature control modulates steam flow or thermal fluid circulation maintaining optimal column bottom temperature typically 140-180°C. Prevents overheating that causes naphtha cracking and fouling. Level control in kettle reboilers maintains proper liquid inventory. Integration with column automation optimizes overall stabilization performance.

Performance Features

Efficient heat transfer with designed fouling factors accounting for naphtha characteristics. Reliable operation ensuring consistent product quality. Materials and construction for 20+ year service life. Proven designs minimize maintenance requirements. Factory testing validates thermal performance specifications before shipment.

ERGIL naphtha stabilizer reboilers deliver dependable thermal duty ensuring effective vapor pressure control and LPG recovery in hydrocarbon fractionation operations.