Heat Exchangers and Reactors

Apache has a great deal of expertise with engineering and manufacturing heat exchangers and process reactors. Our large tank engineers work closely with customers to discuss and calculate structural design, heat transfer analysis, material finish requirements and agitation calculations.

All heat exchangers and reactors are built to customer specifications, from a small lab reactor to a 160 ft. long industrial column reactor.

Heat transfer surfaces include: Conventional jacket, dimple jacket, half-pipe jacket and internal coils.

Apache also has in-house capabilities for passivation and electropolishing stainless finishes if required for the application.

 

 

Recent Posts

  • A Comprehensive Read on Heat Transfer Surfaces Posted 5 years ago
    To help inform our tank and vessel customers about jacketed vessels and heat exchange surfaces, Apache shares this e-book that in-house specialists produced, "Abstract and Attributes of ASME Vessel Heat Transfer Surfaces". Jacketed vessels are used in many industries and can remove the elevated heat of reaction (heat reactor vessel) or reduce the viscosity of high viscous fluids. There are basically three types of external jacketed heat transfer surfaces: conventional jacket, half pipe jacket and dimple jacket, which are welded to the outside of the vessel. Internal coils can also be used as a stand alone option or in combination with other types of external jackets. Complimentary Download
  • New White Paper: Heat Transfer Surfaces for ASME Tanks and Vessels Posted 9 years ago
    The Apache Large Tank and Small Vessel team has developed a new white paper to serve as a general guide to ASME vessel heat transfer surfaces. The white paper highlights three basic types of external jacketed heat transfer surfaces: conventional jacket, half pipe and dimple jacket, which are welded to the outside of the vessel. The paper also includes general information on internal coils which can be utilized for heat transfer as a stand alone option or in combination with other types of external jackets. For blog followers, there is no registration required to download the white paper, discover: Types of heat exchange surfaces General application information and comparisons Optional surface treatments Manufacturing terms and definitions Regulatory code review Download White Paper
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What type of materials does Apache have experience with?

In Apache's Beaver Dam facility, we work with 300 grade stainless materials, predominantly 304/L and 316/L. We also work with high alloy materials such as AL6XN, duplex 2304, 2205 and 2507, Inconel and Hastelloy.

What certifications does Apache uphold?

NB/ASME U Certificate for Beaver Dam, WI

NB/ASME UM Certificate for Beaver Dam, WI

CE Marking Permission for Beaver Dam, WI

R Repair Certificate National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors, Beaver Dam, WI

SELO License for Beaver Dam, WI

What types of heat transfer surfaces are available?

Dimple jacket, half-pipe, conventional jacket, electrical heat tracing.

What size heads can you fabricate?

We can fabricate Heads, anywhere from 30” (2’6”) to 192” (16’) Diameter, with the thickness being 12 ga. to ¾” Stainless and up to 7/8” Carbon.

What types of heads does Apache offer?

ASME F&D, F&D, Shallow F&D, Flat, Cone, Sloped, Hemi, Elliptical

What types of testing does Apache offer?

Liquid Dye Pentrant testing, hydrostatic testing, sprayball Riboflavin testing, pharmaceuticial drain testing, surface finish testing, PMI (Positive Material Identification), and radiography (at an additional cost).

What types of fittings are offered?

Depending on the application, we provide ANSI B16.5 150#, 300#, etc. RFWN, RFSO and Lap Joint flanges, studding outlet (pad) flanges for standard ASME applications. For sanitary applications we also provide tri-clamp ferrules, tank bottom diaphragm valves such as ASEPCO, GEMU, PBM, NOVASEPTIC, etc.

What finishes are available?

Mill, 2B, No. 4, No. 4A, Bead Blast, Passivation, Pickle Passivation and electropolishing

What is your tank weight capacity?

The weight limitation is dependent on the tank/vessel configuration, typically we want to keep the vessel below 70,000 lbs. We have built tanks weighing 250,000 lbs., but special consideration with outside riggers was required.

How wide of a tank can Apache build?

15 ft. diameter is the maximum typically.

What types of outlet valves are available?

Ball valves, diaphragm valves and gate valves. Some offer manual or pneumatic actuation options.

Who will coordinate my project?

A project engineer will coordinate communications, schedules and questions. There will also be a technical specialist that works on your project.

When does a tank need to be ASME Code stamped?

ASME Code is generally required on tanks above 15 psig or vacuum applications.

What types of insulation does Apache offer?

Mineral wool in various densities and foam glass. We can take a look at other insulation requirements that you may have.

What is a wetted surface?

A wetted surface is a product contact surface or interior surface. It includes area in nozzles up to the gaskets.

What types of FAT testing does Apache offer?

Hydro, Riboflavin, dye penetrant, saline, drain ability, radiography, agitation run testing

How do you keep customers abreast of the schedule?

On larger projects, updates to the schedule are communicated upon drawing approval submission, then once per month, after project changes or per customer requirements.

Does Apache manufacture their own agitators?

We work with leading agitator manufacturers and we also have made custom agitators for special applications.

When do I use tri-clamp versus bolted connections?

Use tri-clamp connections for sanitary and quick connection applications.