Common positions and applications for Compabloc

Condensing duties

Compabloc’s short flow path and large cross-flow area ensure low pressure drop and high efficiency, making it ideal for condensing duties. High heat transfer rates and low fouling, make Compabloc the best choice for long-term efficiency and consistent performance.

As a result, Compabloc performs condensing duties 2-4 times more efficiently than traditional solutions.

Vapour enters from the top of the unit and condenses on the cold plates as it passes through the plate pack, with condensate exiting at the bottom.

If the vapour contains non-condensable gases, Alfa Laval can design a two-pass arrangement on the condensing side that permits gas/liquid separation inside Compabloc, eliminating any need for a separator unit. Condensation takes place primarily in the first pass.

Sub-cooling of non-condensable gases is achieved in the second pass, which also serves as a mist eliminator.

Liquid-to-liquid heating and cooling applications

Performing at 3 to 5 times the efficiency of shell-and-tubes, Compabloc is perfectly placed as a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger (heater, cooler or interchanger).

With the ability to handle crossing temperatures in a single unit, and a temperature approach as close as 3°C (5.4°F), Compabloc offers significant energy saving possibilities.

Compabloc also handles asymmetric flows with ease thanks to its flexible flow configuration. Since this lightweight unit is installed vertically, installation problems are instantly solved.

Compabloc as a reboiler

High thermal efficiency, compact size, low static head, minimum fouling and easy cleaning make Compabloc the perfect reboiler. It can be used as a thermosiphon or forced circulation reboiler.

Compabloc makes it easy to increase reboiler capacity, offering up to double the capacity of a traditional heat exchanger of the same size, and reducing the installation costs of the distillation tower.

The compact size means the hold-up volume, and residence time, is very low compared to a traditional heat exchanger, reducing thermal degradation of the fluid. This makes starting the process quicker, with lower cost for out-of-spec process fluid.