Reboiler Selection

Chapter from the Fractionation Design Guide.

Reboiler Selection & Design

Reboiler Type	Application	Duty Range (MMBtu/hr)	Efficiency (%)
Kettle (Thermosiphon)	General service, vaporizes overhead	0.5-50	85
Forced Circulation	High viscosity, non-boiling streams	1-100	90
Falling Film	Temperature sensitive, vacuum	0.2-30	80
Fired Heater	Cryogenic services, extreme duty	10-500	75

Design Calculations

Parameter	Formula/Value	Notes
Duty Required (Btu/hr)	Q = feed rate × (hv - hl)	Enthalpy balance
Approach Temperature	5	°F (typical steam)
U-Value (Kettle)	300	Btu/hr·ft²·°F

Source: Fractionation_Design_Guide_v1.xlsx · sheet “Reboiler_Selection”

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