Finned Tube Radiator for Natural Gas Compressors

Finned Tube Radiator for Natural Gas Compressors

The natural gas compressor finned tube radiator is the key heat exchange equipment in the natural gas compression system. Its main function is to distribute the heat generated by the natural gas compressor in the working process effectively to ensure the normal operation of the compressor, prevent the compressor from being damaged due to overheating, and also help to maintain the stable performance of the whole natural gas compression system.

Finned tube structure

The finned tube is the core component of the radiator. It consists of a base tube and fins. The base tube is usually made of metal, such as steel tube, which has good pressure resistance and heat conduction properties to withstand the pressure of the compressor and transfer heat effectively. The fins are tightly connected to the outer surface of the base tube and are usually aluminium fins. Aluminium has good thermal conductivity and is lightweight. The fins can be flat, corrugated or other complex shapes. For example, corrugated fins can increase the disturbance of air on the surface of the fins and enhance heat transfer. The fins can be connected to the base tube in a variety of ways, such as mechanical expansion and welding. Welding ensures good heat transfer between the fins and the base tube and reduces contact thermal resistance.

Overall Layout

The finned tubes of the radiator are usually combined together in a certain arrangement, commonly in straight rows and staggered arrangement. The staggered arrangement can increase the flow path of air between the finned tubes and the degree of disturbance to improve the heat exchange efficiency. The overall structure of the radiator also includes inlet and outlet piping, which is used to connect the cooling medium circulation system of the compressor. The design of the inlet and outlet piping takes into account the resistance of the fluid and the distribution of the flow to ensure that the cooling medium flows evenly through each finned tube.

Principle of operation

Heat transfer process

When a natural gas compressor is in operation, heat is transferred to the base tube of the finned tube radiator through the cooling medium (e.g. water or other specialised coolant). The cooling medium flows inside the base tube and carries the heat from the compressor to the radiator. The base tube transfers the heat to the fins, which, due to their large surface area, are able to exchange heat efficiently with the surrounding air.

Air flows over the surface of the fins under the action of a fan or natural convection. Heat is transferred from the fins to the air, raising the temperature of the air. This process is achieved by convection heat transfer, i.e., the transfer of heat between the hot fin surface and the cooler air. In the case of forced convection (with a fan driving the air flow), the airflow and air speed of the fan affects the efficiency of the heat exchange. The higher the air velocity, the faster the air is renewed on the fin surface and the more heat is removed.

Advantages

Highly efficient heat dissipation

The finned tube design greatly increases the heat dissipation area of the radiator. Compared to a bare tube radiator without fins, the heat dissipation area can be increased by several times or even dozens of times, which can effectively dissipate the large amount of heat generated by the compressor. This helps to maintain the operating temperature of the compressor within a suitable range, improving the reliability and service life of the compressor. For example, in a high load natural gas compression operating environment, efficient heat dissipation can reduce the compressor's operating temperature by 10 - 20°C.

Compact Design

Due to the efficient heat dissipation performance of the finned tube radiator, it is relatively small in size for the same heat dissipation requirement. This compact design saves installation space, giving it an advantage in locations such as natural gas compressor stations where space is limited. Moreover, the smaller size also facilitates transport and installation.

Highly adaptable

It can be adapted to a wide range of different operating environments and cooling media. Whether in high or low temperature environments, the fan can be reasonably adjusted to ensure that the cooling effect, such as operating parameters. At the same time, for different types of cooling media, as long as their thermophysical properties meet the requirements, they can be circulated normally in the finned tube radiator.

Application Scenario

Natural gas compression station

In natural gas compressor stations, it is widely used in the cooling system of various types of natural gas compressors. Whether it is a small skid-mounted compressor station or a large centralised compressor station, finned tube radiators can effectively dissipate heat from the compressor to ensure smooth compression and delivery of natural gas.

Natural Gas Pipeline Pressurisation

Along the natural gas pipeline, there are a number of pressurisation facilities to ensure that the natural gas is transported smoothly through the pipeline. The compressors in these facilities also need to dissipate heat, and finned tube radiators can meet their cooling needs and prevent overheating of the compressor during operation.