PFHE Thermal Fatigue

Abstract:  Aluminum plate and fin heat exchangers offer advantages of high thermal efficiency, low weight, low plot space footprint, low cost, and good mechanical integrity.    They are widely used in the olefin industry to maximize refrigeration utilization and heat recovery.  Although they have excellent mechanical properties over a wide temperature range, these exchangers are susceptible to mechanical failure due to thermal fatigue if they are cooled or warmed improperly.  This paper reviews some of the basic characteristics of PFHEs, provides insights on proper operation, and cool down to avoid thermal fatigue, and some suggestions for process monitoring.