Silicone carbide heat exchangers

Silicon Carbide Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers for Corrosive Media

The new FLOWSIC silicon carbide heat exchanger with patented triple tube plate (USA, Europe and Italy patents No.: US 6,904,959 B2 dd 14 June 2005, EP 1491842 dd 14 January 2008 and IT0001348655 dd 6 November 2008) have been designed taking into consideration every detail according to hi-tech standards. In addition the Hexoloy ^® SA (SE) thermal conductivity is much better respect to graphite and much great than other corrosion-resistant materials as glass, compound special alloys, noble metals.

Wide range of materials

Depending on the process, the circulating fluids and the working conditions, the shell can be made in glass-lined steel, 304L or 316L stainless steel, zinc plated CS or PTFE lined steel. Acid fluids can circulate either inside or outside the Silicon Carbide tubes.

Excellent Chemical Resistance with silicon carbide Hexoloy ^® SA (SE)

Hexoloy ^® SA (SE) is a fine-grain ceramic composed of micro-particles of silicon carbide (8 micron) that is inert to all known chemicals up to 205°C (400°F). The corrosion resistance of Hexoloy ^® SA (SE) SiC permits superior performance in environments of hot gases and liquids including strong acids and bases, even at extremely high temperatures. Hexoloy ^® SA (SE) has been proven for years in HF, bromine, high concentration nitric, mixed acid, bases, oxidant and chlorinated organics. Hexoloy ^® SA (SE) is a basically pure silicon carbide with no free silicon, as it may react with the products it comes into contact with.

High thermal conductivity

Silicon carbide's thermal conductivity is similar to graphite's and much greater than other corrosion-resistant materials (PTFE, glass, compound special alloys, noble metals). This implies better efficiency, less exchange area and space needed.

FLOWSiC ^® - a new concept of sealing with the Triple Tube Plate

The main tube plate is made of low temperature carbon steel lined with PFA to ensure the utmost protection against corrosive media. Each SiC tube is fitted with a sealing arrangement composed of double O-rings (FFKM - perfluoroelastomer and FKM - fluoroelastomer) and a distance sleeve contained in the secondary plate. The packages are simultaneously pressed on the seats using a tertiary press plate. This sealing design ensures an unequalled and safe double seal on each end of the silicon carbide tubes.

More advantages of silicon carbide

excellent resistance to erosion (silicon carbide is 50% harder than tungsten carbide)
superb wear resistance and total impermeability at extreme temperature and pressure
exceptional purity: Hexoloy ® contains no binders or fillers meaning that is basically pure silicon carbide
outstanding mechanical properties: each tube is tested at 186 bar (2700 psi)

Advanced Design

The Aspentech Tasc+ software technology is used by Italprotec for the design of its heat exchangers. This latest generation of software allows detailed simulation with the following significant benefits: