Condenser Design

Chapter from the Fractionation Design Guide.

Condenser Selection & Design

Condenser Type	Application	Duty Range (MMBtu/hr)	Cost Index
Shell & Tube (1-2-4)	Standard service, moderate duty	0.5-50	1
Air Cooler	Low cooling water, remote location	0.1-20	0.8
Plate Frame	Compact, high duty services	1-100	1.2
Spiral Plate	Non-fouling, viscous fluids	0.2-30	1.5

Design Parameters

Parameter	Target Value	Units
Approach Temperature	5	°F
U-Value (Shell & Tube)	150	Btu/hr·ft²·°F
Cooling Water ΔT	10	°F
Pressure Drop (Tube)	8	psi

Source: Fractionation_Design_Guide_v1.xlsx · sheet “Condenser_Design”

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