Client: China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec)
Natural gas processing systems typically operate under high pressure, wide load variations, and strict safety requirements. Heat exchangers used in such applications must combine robust pressure resistance with stable thermal performance to ensure safe and continuous operation across varying process conditions.
For this project, plate & shell heat exchangers were supplied to China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) for natural gas heating and cooling services. The exchangers are applied in gas processing and conditioning systems, where controlled temperature adjustment is required for downstream separation, compression, and transportation processes.
The fully welded plate & shell construction provides a high-integrity pressure boundary capable of handling elevated gas pressures without the use of elastomeric gaskets. This design minimizes leakage risk and enhances operational safety, making it particularly suitable for natural gas applications where containment reliability is critical.
High turbulence generated by the chevron-pattern plate geometry delivers efficient heat transfer on both the gas and heating/cooling medium sides. This allows accurate temperature control and rapid thermal response, even under fluctuating flow rates and load conditions. Compared with traditional shell-and-tube exchangers, the plate & shell design achieves a more compact footprint while maintaining high mechanical strength.
In addition, the compact size and reduced weight simplify system integration and reduce piping stress and structural loads. As a result, plate & shell heat exchangers offer a reliable, efficient, and space-optimized solution for natural gas heating and cooling in modern oil and gas processing facilities.