IPS-E-PR-785

ENGINEERING STANDARD

FOR

PROCESS DESIGN OF AIR COOLED HEAT EXCHANGERS

(AIR COOLERS)

ORIGINAL EDITION

JAN. 1996

This standard specification is reviewed and

updated by the relevant technical committee on
Sep. 2001(1) and Sep. 2011(2). The approved
modifications are included in the present issue
of IPS.

This Standard is the property of Iranian Ministry of Petroleum. All rights are reserved to the owner.
Neither whole nor any part of this document may be disclosed to any third party, reproduced, stored in
any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the
Iranian Ministry of Petroleum.
 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

FOREWORD
The Iranian Petroleum Standards (IPS) reflect the views of the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum and are
intended for use in the oil and gas production facilities, oil refineries, chemical and petrochemical
plants, gas handling and processing installations and other such facilities.

IPS are based on internationally acceptable standards and include selections from the items
stipulated in the referenced standards. They are also supplemented by additional requirements
and/or modifications based on the experience acquired by the Iranian Petroleum Industry and the
local market availability. The options which are not specified in the text of the standards are
itemized in data sheet/s, so that, the user can select his appropriate preferences therein.

The IPS standards are therefore expected to be sufficiently flexible so that the users can adapt
these standards to their requirements. However, they may not cover every requirement of each
project. For such cases, an addendum to IPS Standard shall be prepared by the user which
elaborates the particular requirements of the user. This addendum together with the relevant IPS
shall form the job specification for the specific project or work.
The IPS is reviewed and up-dated approximately every five years. Each standards are subject to
amendment or withdrawal, if required, thus the latest edition of IPS shall be applicable

The users of IPS are therefore requested to send their views and comments, including any
addendum prepared for particular cases to the following address. These comments and
recommendations will be reviewed by the relevant technical committee and in case of approval will
be incorporated in the next revision of the standard.

Standards and Research department

No.17, Street14, North kheradmand

Karimkhan Avenue, Tehran, Iran .
Postal Code- 1585886851
Tel: 88810459-60 & 66153055
Fax: 88810462
Email: Standards@ nioc.ir

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

GENERAL DEFINITIONS
Throughout this Standard the following definitions shall apply.

COMPANY :
Refers to one of the related and/or affiliated companies of the Iranian Ministry of Petroleum such as
National Iranian Oil Company, National Iranian Gas Company, National Petrochemical Company
and National Iranian Oil Refinery And Distribution Company.

PURCHASER :
Means the “Company" where this standard is a part of direct purchaser order by the “Company”,
and the “Contractor” where this Standard is a part of contract document.

VENDOR AND SUPPLIER:

Refers to firm or person who will supply and/or fabricate the equipment or material.

CONTRACTOR:
Refers to the persons, firm or company whose tender has been accepted by the company.

EXECUTOR :
Executor is the party which carries out all or part of construction and/or commissioning for the
project.

INSPECTOR :
The Inspector referred to in this Standard is a person/persons or a body appointed in writing by the
company for the inspection of fabrication and installation work.

SHALL:
Is used where a provision is mandatory.

SHOULD:
Is used where a provision is advisory only.

WILL:
Is normally used in connection with the action by the “Company” rather than by a contractor,
supplier or vendor.

MAY:
Is used where a provision is completely discretionary.

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

CONTENTS : PAGE No.

0. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 4
1. SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................ 5
2. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................ 5
3. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY ............................................................................................. 5
4. SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................... 7
5. UNITS .............................................................................................................................................. 7
6. GENERAL ....................................................................................................................................... 7
7. HORIZONTAL TYPE....................................................................................................................... 7
8. FANS ............................................................................................................................................... 8
8.1 Number of Fans ....................................................................................................................... 8
8.2 Fans in Various Duties ........................................................................................................... 8
8.3 Types ........................................................................................................................................ 8
9. RUST PREVENTION ...................................................................................................................... 9
10. CHEMICAL CLEANING CONNECTIONS .................................................................................... 9
11. OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE ....................................................................... 9
12. AIR-SIDE DESIGN ........................................................................................................................ 9
12.1 General Requirements .......................................................................................................... 9
13. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................................... 10
13.4 Hot Air Recirculation .......................................................................................................... 10
13.9 Thermal Expansion of Tubes ............................................................................................. 11
13.10 Type of Blades ................................................................................................................... 11
14. TUBE-SIDE FLUID TEMPERATURE CONTROL ...................................................................... 11
15. COLD CLIMATE CONSIDERATION .......................................................................................... 12
15.1 High Viscosity-High Pour-Point Services ......................................................................... 12
15.2 Winterization ........................................................................................................................ 12

TABLES:

TABLE 1 - WEATHER DATA ........................................................................................................... 13

FIGURES:

FIG. 1TYPICAL AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER CONFIGURATIONS.................................... 14

FIG. 2 TYPES OF FINNED TUBES USED IN AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGERS..................... 15

APPENDICES:

APPENDIX A TABLE A.1 - TYPICAL TEMPERATURE STUDY FOR

DESIGN AIR TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION ................................................ 16
APPENDIX B TABLE B.1 - TYPICAL HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS ................................ 17
FOR AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGERS............................................................ 17
APPENDIX C AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER SPECIFICATION
SHEET (SI UNITS) .................................................................................................. 19
APPENDIX D ADVANCED OF FORCED AND INDUCED DRAFT FANS ................................. 17

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

0. INTRODUCTION
"Process Design of Non-combustion Type Heat Exchanging Equipment", are broad and contain
variable subjects of paramount importance. Therefore, a group of process engineering standard
design practices are prepared to cover the subject.
This group includes the following standards:

STANDARD CODE STANDARD TITLE

IPS-E-PR-771 "Process Requirements of Heat Exchanging Equipment"
IPS-E-PR-775 "Process Design of Double Pipe Heat Exchangers"
IPS-E-PR-785 "Process Design of Air Cooled Heat Exchangers (Air
Coolers)"
IPS-E-PR-790 "Process Design of Cooling Towers"
This Standard Specification covers:

"PROCESS DESIGN OF AIR COOLED HEAT EXCHANGERS

(AIR COOLERS)"
Non-combustion type heat exchange equipment are contained from various types from which the
above mentioned have the most application in Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical (OGP) industries and
each item will be discussed separately.

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

1. SCOPE
This Standard Specification covers the minimum process design requirements, field of application,
selection of types and design consideration for air coolers.

Note 1:
This standard specification is reviewed and updated by the relevant technical committee on
Sep. 2001. The approved modifications by T.C. were sent to IPS users as amendment No. 1
by circular No. 167 on Sep. 2001. These modifications are included in the present issue of
IPS.

Note 2:
This standard specification is reviewed and updated by the relevant technical committee on
Sep. 2011. The approved modifications by T.C. were sent to IPS users as amendment No. 2
by circular No. 315 on Sep. 2011. These modifications are included in the present issue of
IPS.

2. REFERENCES

Throughout this Standard the following dated and undated standards/codes are referred to. These
referenced documents shall, to the extent specified herein, form a part of this standard. For dated
references, the edition cited applies. The applicability of changes in dated references that occur
after the cited date shall be mutually agreed upon by the Company and the Vendor. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced documents (including any supplements and
amendments) applies.

API (AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE)

API 661 “Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Service“

IPS (IRANIAN PETROLEUM STANDARDS)

IPS-E-GN-100 “Engineering Standard for Units”
IPS-G-ME-245, "Engineering and material Standard for Air Cooled Heat Exchangers"

3. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1 bank
one or more items arranged in a continuous structure

3.2 bare tube surface

total area of the outside surfaces of the tubes, based on the length measured between the outside
faces of the header tube sheets

3.3 bay
one or more tube bundles, serviced by two or more fans, including the structure, plenum and other
attendant equipment
Note : Figure 1 shows typical bay arrangements.

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

3.4 finned surface

total area of the outside surface exposed to air

3.5 forced-draught exchanger

exchanger designed with the tube bundles located on the discharge side of the fan

3.6 induced-draught exchanger

exchanger designed with the tube bundles located on the suction side of the fan

3.7 item
one or more tube bundles for an individual service

3.8 item number

purchaser's identification number for an item

3.9 pressure design code

recognized pressure vessel standard specified or agreed by the purchaser EXAMPLE ASME
Section VIII.

3.10 structural code

recognized structural standard specified or agreed by the purchaser
EXAMPLES AISC M011 and AISC S302.

3.11 tube bundle

assembly of headers, tubes and frames

Fig. 1- Typical bay arrangements

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4. SYMBOLS & ABBREVIATIONS

A/V = Auto variable
DN = Diameter Nominal, mm
MAP = Manual Adjustable Pitch
NPS = Nominal Pipe Size, inch
P = Air-side static pressure drop, mbar (0.1 kPa)
2 2
Uo = Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient, W/m . K (W/m . °C)

5. UNITS
This Standard is based on International System of Units (SI), as per IPS-E-GN-100 except where
otherwise specified.

6. GENERAL
6.1 Air cooled exchangers are usually composed of rectangular bundles containing several rows of
tubes on a triangular pitch. Heat transfer is generally countercurrent, the hot fluid entering the top of
the bundle and air flowing vertically upward through the bundle.
6.2 Since air is a universal coolant, there are numerous applications where economic and operating
advantages are favorable to air-cooled heat transfer equipment. However, applications are limited
to cases where the ambient air dry bulb temperature is below the desired cooling or condensing
temperature.
6.3 Where expensive or insufficient water supplies are encountered or where cooling water
pumping or treating costs are excessive, it is often found that air-cooled units are desirable for
several services. The adverse conditions of high relative humidity or excessive space requirements
occasionally create high costs or installation difficulties for cooling towers. In some of those cases,
air-cooled heat transfer equipment offers a satisfactory solution.
6.4 Full consideration should be given to adequate winter protection of air-cooled units installed in
cold climates. It is essential that all possibilities of freeze-up be eliminated and external recirculation
of hot air is necessary for severe winter conditions when the unit is subject to freezing and heating
coils provided for protection against freeze-up shall be in a separate bundle and not part of the
process tube bundle.
6.5 If the fluid being handled is subject to wide variations in viscosity over the range of atmospheric
temperatures encountered, provisions must be made to control the extent of cooling at the lower
ambient air temperatures.
6.6 Bundles may be fabricated in widths to 3.65 m (12 ft) and depths to 8 rows. Standard bundles
are available in lengths of 2.44 m (8 ft), 3.05 m (10 ft), 4.57 m (15 ft), 6.07 m (20 ft), 7.31 m (24 ft),
10.36 m (34 ft) and 12.2 m (40 ft).Usually the maximum dimensions are dictated by shipping
requirements. Bundles may be stacked, placed in parallel, or in series, for a given service. Also,
several small services may be combined in one bay.
In general, the longer the tubes and greater the number of tube rows, the less expensive the
surface on a square meter basis.
6.7 In moderate climates, air cooling will usually be the best choice for minimum process
temperatures above 65°C, and water cooling for minimum process temperatures below 50°C.
Between these temperatures a detailed economic analysis would be necessary to decide the best
coolant. It is recommended vendors consider installation of air fan coolers on pipe racks.

7. HORIZONTAL TYPE
Unless otherwise specified, the horizontal type is preferred.

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8. FANS

8.1 Number of Fans

At least two fans shall be provided for each bay. Any deviation from this requirement will need the
prior approval of the Company.

8.2 Fans in Various Duties

Where, for reasons of control, an air-cooled heat exchanger has to be provided with automatic
variable-pitch fans, as in the case of overhead condensers, it shall not share its fans with air-cooled
heat exchangers on other duties, for example product run-down coolers.

8.3 Types
8.3.1 Two general classifications of air-cooler fans are:
a) forced draft type where air is pushed across the tube bundle;
b) induced draft type where air is pulled through the bundle (see Fig. 1).
8.3.2 Forced draft should be selected for all normal applications. Amongst other reasons, the
accessibility of fans, actuators and drivers is much better for maintenance and there is thus a strong
preference for this arrangement.
Forced draft shall be selected for critical and condensing duties where the difference between the
design product outlet temperature and the design air inlet temperature is 15°C or higher.
Forced draft shall be selected for all cooling duties where air outlet temperatures would be higher
than those specified as limiting for the induced-draft arrangement.
8.3.3 For critical cooling or condensing duties where the product outlet temperature falls below a
point 15°C above the design air inlet temperature (*), induced draft may be considered providing the
air outlet temperature will not rise to a level higher than is acceptable for the fan, fan hub and
bearings for the greasing system and for all structural components exposed to the hot air stream.
The degree of acceptability is subject to the Company’s approval.
Under normal operating conditions, air outlet temperatures should not exceed:
- 60°C with fans in operation.
- 80°C with free convection on the air side.
A higher outlet temperature may be considered providing it does not exceed the operating
temperature limits for the fan blades, the hub, the fan blade adjusting mechanism and the bearings
when the heat exchanger is at maximum operating temperature with free convection on the air side.
The temperature effect of radiation under these conditions shall also be taken into account. For the
power failure case, take a maximum air outlet temperature of 15°C below the maximum product
inlet temperature.
* Unless otherwise agreed by the Company, the product outlet temperature shall not be less
than 10°C above the design air temperature.

8.3.4 The advantages of forced and induced draft types are listed in Appendix D. These should be
weighed carefully before deciding on the choice of unit.

8.3.5 Recommendations
1) Induced-draft units should be used whenever hot-air recirculation is a potentially critical
problem.

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

2) Forced-draft units should be used whenever the design requires pour-point protection, or
winterization. However, consideration of possible summer recirculation must be accounted
for in sizing the fans to minimize this effect.

9. RUST PREVENTION
The structural parts can be galvanized or pickled and painted to prevent rusting of the steel.

10. CHEMICAL CLEANING CONNECTIONS

If chemical cleaning maintenance is specified, connections shall be provided per the following:
a) Connections shall be installed only in nozzles DN 100 mm (NPS 4 inch) and larger. For
smaller nozzles, connections will be made in the attached piping by the purchaser.
b) The minimum size connection shall be DN 50 mm (NPS 2 inch).
c) Connections shall be installed horizontally. Orientation will be specified.
d) For bundles in series or series-parallel arrangement, only one chemical cleaning
connection needs to be provided in the inlet nozzle and one in the outlet nozzle of each
series group.

11. OPERATING TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE

11.1 The maximum anticipated process operating temperature will be indicated on the Process
Data Sheet. Air Coolers shall be designed for a temperature at least 28°C above the maximum
anticipated temperature.
11.2 The maximum anticipated operating pressure, which shall include an allowance for variations
in the normal operating pressure which can be expected to occur, will be indicated on the Air Cooler
Specification Sheet.
Except for air coolers operating under a vacuum, the internal design pressure shall be 10% greater
than the specified maximum operating pressure, but in no case shall the difference be less than 2
bar (200 kPa). The headers on air coolers operating under a vacuum shall be designed for a
minimum external pressure of 1 bar (100 kPa) unless otherwise specified. Design pressures shall
be indicated on the Process Data Sheet.

12. AIR-SIDE DESIGN

12.1 General Requirements

12.1.1 Such environmental factors as weather, terrain, mounting, and the presence of adjacent
buildings and equipment influence the air-side performance of an air-cooled heat exchanger.
The purchaser shall supply the Vendor with all environmental factors pertinent to the design of the
exchanger as per the Table 1. These factors shall be taken into account in the air-side design.
12.1.2 Air Coolers shall be designed for summer and winter conditions. The summer and winter
design air temperatures and humidity shall be specified in the job specifications.
12.1.3 For winter design conditions the minimum tube wall temperature shall be at least 22°C higher
than pour point temperature for both normal and minimum design throughput.
12.1.4 Proper fouling resistance shall be applied to the outside surface of the tube.
12.1.5 All heat transfer surfaces and coefficients shall be based on total effective outside tube and
fin surface.
12.1.6 When calculating heat transfer coefficients, the inside fouling and inside fluid film resistance

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

shall be multiplied by the ratio of the total effective outside surface to the total effective inside
surface.
12.1.7 The effective tube wall and fin metal resistance shall be included in calculating heat transfer
coefficients.
12.1.8 Pressure drops shall not exceed the maximum allowed values specified. These indicate the
total pressure drops across nozzles, headers and tubes.
2 2
12.1.9 Fouling factor on air side of exchangers shall be 0.35m .K/kW (0.002 h.ft .°F/Btu) as a
minimum.
12.1.10 The need for air flow control shall be as defined by the purchaser on the basis of specific
process operation requirements, including the effect of weather. Various methods of controlling air
flow are available.
The type ultimately selected is dependent on the degree of control required, the type of driver and
transmission, equipment arrangement, and economics. As a guide, the various methods include,
but are not limited to, simple on-off control, on-off step control (in the case of multiple-driver units),
two-speed motor control, variable-speed drivers, controllable fan pitch, manual or automatic
louvers, and air recycling.
12.1.11 Fan selection at design conditions shall ensure that at rated speed the fan can provide, by
an increase in blade angle, a 10 % increase in air flow with a corresponding pressure increase.
Since this requirement is to prevent stall and inefficient operation of the fan, the resulting increased
power requirement need not govern the driver rating.
12.1.12 In the inquiry the maximum and minimum design ambient temperatures under which fans
and drivers will operate, as well as any specific requirements relating to the sizing of drivers and
transmissions shall be stated.
12.1.13 For mechanical components located above the tube bundle, design temperature shall be
equal to maximum process inlet temperature unless otherwise specified.

13. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

13.1 Design maximum ambient air temperature should be selected so that it will not be exceeded
more than 1-2 percent of the total annual hourly readings based on at least 5 consecutive years.
Lower figures mean a smaller exchanger but they also indicate a question on performance during
the hottest weather. Daily temperature charts as well as curves showing the number of hours and
time of year any given temperature is exceeded are valuable and often necessary in establishing an
economical design air temperature. See Table A.1 in Appendix A as a typical study.
13.2 Units should preferably be placed in the open and at least 23-30 m from any large building or
obstruction to normal wind flow. If closer, the recirculation from downdrafts may require raising the
effective inlet air temperature 1-2°C or more above the ambient selected for unobstructed locations.
If wind velocities are high around congested areas, the allowance for recirculation should be raised
above 2°C.
13.3 Units should not be located near heat sources. Experience cautions that units near exhaust
gases from engines can raise inlet air 8°C or more above the expected ambient.

13.4 Hot Air Recirculation

Problems associated with hot air recirculation are the direct effect of poor exchanger design and
location. Minimum allowable distances between air coolers and other process equipment should be
considered. These, however, are based on safety requirements and should be accordingly
increased if recirculation poses a potential problem. Other recommendations for combating hot air
recirculation include:
- Using induced draft fans which force the air away from the bundle.
- Baffles and/or a stack on top of the bundle for a forced draft unit (or fan on an induced

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draft unit) will also direct the air away from the bundle.
- Humidification sections or air washers: If the geographic location is such that the relative
humidity is low most of the year, a humidification section could be installed below the unit.
This, in effect, moisturizes the inlet air down to its wet bulb temperature which could be 5°C
to 11°C cooler than ambient. However, care should be taken to insure that air entering the
tube bundle is dry.
- A-Frame, V-Frame and vertical bundle arrangements should not be used if recirculation is
a potential problem.
- Water spraying is not recommended for alleviating existing hot air recirculation problems
except as a temporary solution. If the bundle is sprayed directly, tube-to-fin bonding, fouling,
and corrosion problems could be severe. The severity will depend on the operating
conditions, the length of time the sprays are used, and the quality of water used.
13.5 Fouling on the outside of finned surface is usually rather small, but must be recognized.
13.6 Table B.1 in Appendix B shows the heat transfer coefficients for air-cooled heat exchangers.
Appendix C shows the standard specification sheet which shall be used for air cooled heat
exchanger design.
13.7 The same tube side velocity limitation which apply to shell and tube exchangers, apply for air
coolers.
13.8 As per Fig. 2 embedded fins are permitted up to a Design Temperature of 400°C, extruded fins
to 260°C, footed tension wound fins to 150°C, and edge wound fins up to 120°C, but are prohibited
in steam condensing service. The necessity for extended surface (fin height and density) will
depend upon the specific service. Some general rules are:
1) If the overall heat transfer coefficient (referred to bare tube area) is greater than 113
2
W/m . K, or if the fluid viscosity is less than 10 cP*, the higher fins (15.9 mm) are used.
2
2) If the overall coefficient is between 85 and 113 W/m . K, or if the fluid viscosity is in the
range of 10 to 25 cP, intermediate size fins (7.9 mm) are used.
2
3) If the overall coefficient is below 85 W/m . K, or if the fluid viscosity is greater than 25 cP,
no fins are used.
*1cP=1mPas

13.9 Thermal Expansion of Tubes

Provision shall be made to accommodate thermal expansion of tubes.

13.10 Type of Blades

Aluminum blades are used up to 150°C while plastic is limited to about 70-80 °C air stream
temperature.

14. TUBE-SIDE FLUID TEMPERATURE CONTROL

The tube-side fluid responds quickly to changes in inlet air temperature. In many applications this is
of no great consequence as long as the unit has been designed to take the maximum. For
condensing or other critical service, a sudden drop in air temperature can create pressure surges in
distillation or other process equipment, and even cause flooding due to changes in vapor loading.
Vacuum units must have a pressure control which can bleed air or other inert into the ejector or
vacuum pump to maintain near constant conditions on the process equipment. For some units the
resultant liquid sub cooling is not of great concern.

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15. COLD CLIMATE CONSIDERATION

15.1 High Viscosity-High Pour-Point Services

The basic problem in this type of service is to prevent the fluid from "setting up" in the tubes at low
flow rates and/or low ambient air temperatures. For such a service (i.e., pipestill bottoms), the
following recommendations should be considered in the design:
15.1.1 Normally, the air-cooled exchanger should be designed with bare tubes rather than finned
tubes to provide a higher wall temperature for a given inside heat transfer coefficient. However,
sometimes it may be necessary to use low fin tubes to obtain a flow arrangement that provides a
sufficient pressure drop.
15.1.2 The pressure drop through the tubes should be maximized. This results in a higher process
heat transfer coefficient and therefore a higher wall temperature. Also, it will permit a series type
bundle arrangement and thereby tend to eliminate flow distribution problems associated with a
parallel type arrangement.
15.1.3 Steam coils should be provided under the unit to heat the incoming air during startup and
shutdown operations. Also, depending on the severity of the pour-point temperature, steam might
be necessary for either intermittent or continuous winter operation.
15.1.4 Air flow control should be supplied by means of louvers and/or variable pitch fans. The type
of air flow control would be dictated by the individual problem.
15.1.5 Provisions should be made to take bundles out of service during low flow rate operation by
installing a bypass and flushing connections to the bundle.
15.1.6 The unit can be designed with concurrent flow or for conversion from countercurrent flow to
concurrent flow.The latter could be achieved either with a convertible piping arrangement or with
variable pitch fans by operation at a negative angle.

15.2 Winterization

15.2.1 All air-cooled exchangers for which winterization may be required should be forced draft
units with top louvers. However, since forced draft units are more susceptible to summer
recirculation problems, simultaneous consideration must be given to this when determining a
summer design max. air inlet temperature.
One possibility is to add 5°C to the max. design temperature to account for the possible
recirculation.
15.2.2 For cases where there is a possibility that a freeze-up problem can exist on winter startup or
shutdown, the exchanger should be designed from the outset to accept a steam coil. This involves
leaving room in the plenum and allowing for the increased pressure drop in the fan design.
15.2.3 Process outlet temperatures should be controlled by at least one autovariable pitch fan per
bay. In the case of single bays with only one A/V fan, the manual adjustable pitch (MAP) fan should
be driven by a two-speed motor. The basis for this is: on reduction of heat duty when the A/V
actuator first reaches its lower limit, stopping a single speed MAP fan is too big a step change. In
such a case, the A/V fan control will be hunting between the conditions of full pitch with the MAP fan
off and minimum pitch with the MAP fan on. In multibay units the number of MAP fans divides the
incremental steps so that the A/V fans should not cycle.
15.2.4 External recirculation schemes should be side recirculation oriented if possible. This affords
a better recirculation temperature distribution in the plenum than an end recirculation scheme.
15.2.5 Recirculation louvers on external schemes should be horizontally oriented. This affords
better mixing of the recirculated air with fresh inlet air than if the louvers are vertical.
15.2.6 All exposed headers should be steam traced and/or insulated.
15.2.7 To account for plenum air maldistribution, the design plenum chamber temperature should
be set to insure 0°C at the coldest spot. This is a function of plenum size, location of the bay, and

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the minimum design air temperature.

15.2.8 Sloping may be considered to facilitate complete drainage of the tube fluid during the
shutdown period.

TABLE 1 - WEATHER DATA

1 Temperature Exposure:

Winter
Minimum ambient and average °C
duration (1) -------
days/year
-------
Mean daily minimum (2) °C
-------
Mean daily maximum (2) °C
-------
Summer
Mean daily minimum (2) °C
-------
Mean daily maximum (2) °C
-------
2 Rain/ snow/hail exposure:
Maximum rainfall or snowfall (1) mm/24 h
-------
Maximum rainfall or snowfall storm -------
intensity (1) mm/h
-------
Average snowstorm and/or hailstorm -------
occurrence (1) days/year
-------
3 Wind exposure:
Predominant Wind Direction
- Summer compass heading
-------
- Winter compass heading
-------
Wind intensity (predominant winds)
- 1.5 - 16 km/h % time
-------
- 18 - 32 km/h % time
-------
- over 32 km/h % time
-------

Notes:
1) Specified when critical to process.
2) specified when automatically controllable louvers or fan hubs furnished for process
control.

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TYPICAL AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER CONFIGURATIONS

Fig. 1

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TYPES OF FINNED TUBES USED IN AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGERS

Fig. 2

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A
TABLE A.1 - TYPICAL TEMPERATURE STUDY FOR DESIGN
AIR TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION

Fin bonding type Maximum process temperature

Embedded fins 400 °C (750 °F)
Externally bonded (Hot-dip galvanized steel fins) 360 °C (680 °F)
Extruded fins 300 °C (570 °F)
Footed fins (single L) and overlap footed fins (double L ) 130 °C (270 °F)
Knurled footed fin, either single L or double L 200 °C (390 °F)
Externally Bonded (-welded or brazed fins) > 400 °C (750 °F)
(maximum should be agreed
by purchaser)
Except where stated otherwise, the above limits are based on a carbon steel core tube and aluminium fins; different
materials for the core tube and/or the fins may result in a different temperature limit and the manufacturer shall be
consulted.

Note:
1% = 88 Hours; 2% = 175 hours; 3% = 263 hours.

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

APPENDIX B

TABLE B.1 - TYPICAL HEAT TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS

FOR AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGERS
Overall Finned Tube Coefficient
2
U W/m . K (Btu/hr.sq.ft.°F)
Referred to
Bare Surface Finned Surface
CONDENSING SERVICE

Amine reactivator 511-568 (90-100) 30-33 (5.3-5.9)

Ammonia 568-681 (100-120) 33-40 (5.9-7.0)
Freon 12 340-454 (60-80) 19.8-26.6 (3.5-4.7)
Heavy naphtha 340-397 (60-70) 19.8-23.2 (3.5-4.1)
Light gasoline 426-511 (75-90) 23.8-29.5 (4.2-5.2)
Light hydrocarbons 454-540 (80-95) 22.7-31.7 (4.0-5.6)
Light naphtha 397-454 (70-80) 23.2-26.6 (4.1-4.7)
Reactor effluent-Power formers
Hydrofiners, Hydro formers 340-454 (60-80) 19.8-26.6 (3.5-4.7)
Steam 738-795 (130-140) 39.7-46.5 (7.0-8.2)
Fractionator overhead-light naphthas,
steam and non condensable gas 340-397 (60-70) 15.3-23.2 (2.7-4.1)

GAS COOLING SERVICE

Air or flue gas at 3.45 bar (g),

( ∆ P = 68.7 mbar = 6.87 kPa) 56 (10) ~ 3.4 (~ 0.6)
Air or flue gas at 6.9 bar (g),
( ∆ P = 137.4 mbar) 113 (20) ~ 6.8 (~ 1.2)
Air or flue gas at 6.9 bar (g),
( ∆ P = 345 mbar) 170-284 (30-50) 9.6-14.1(1.7-2.5)
Ammonia reactor stream 454-511 (80-90) 26.6-30 (4.7-5.3)
Hydrocarbon gases at 1.034-3.45
bar(g), ( ∆ P = 68.7 mbar) 170-227 (30-40) 5.6-13 (1.0-2.3)
Hydrocarbon gases at 3.45-17.23
bar(g), ( ∆ P = 206.1 mbar) 284-340 (50-60) 11.3-19.8 (2.0-3.5)
Hydrocarbon gases at
17.23-103.4 bar (g),
( ∆ P = 345 mbar) 397-511 (70-90) 19.8-30 (3.5-5.3)

(to be continued)

17
 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

APPENDIX B
TABLE B.1- (continued)

Bare Surface Finned Surface

LIQUID COOLING SERVICE

Engine jacket water 681-738 (120-130) 33-43.1 (5.9-7.6)

Fuel oil 113-170 (20-30) 6.8-10.2 (1.2-1.8)
Hydro former and Power former liquids 397-483 (70-85) 19.8-25.5 (3.5-4.5)
Light gas oil 340-397 (60-70) 17-23.2 (3.0-4.1)
Light hydrocarbons 426-540 (75-95) 22.7-31.7 (4.0-5.6)
Light naphtha 397-483 (70-85) 19.8-25.5 (3.5-4.5)
Process water 596-681 (105-120) 34.6-39.7(6.1-7.0)
Residuum 56-113 (10-20) 3.4-5.6 (0.6-1.0)
Tar 28-56 (5-10) 1.7-3.4 (0.3-0.6)
Heavy gas oil 284-426 (50-75) 14.1-17 (2.5-3.0)
Lube oil 113-284 (20-50) 5.6-11.2 (1.0-2.0)

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

APPENDIX C
AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER SPECIFICATION SHEET (SI UNITS)
Job No. _ Item No.
Page 1 of 2 By
AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER
Date _ Revision
DATA SHEET (SI UNITS)
Proposal No. _ Contract No.
Inquiry No. _ Order No.

Manufacturer _ Heat exchanged, kW

Model No. _ Surface/item-finned tube, m2
Customer _ Bare tube, m2
Plant location _ MTD, eff., °C
Service _ Transfer rate-finned, W /m2 ·K
Type draught ○ Induced ○ Forced Bare tube, service, W /m2 ·K
Bay size (W × L), m No. of bay/items _ Clean, W /m2

Basic design data

Pressure design code _ Structural code _
Tube bundle code stamped ○ Yes ○ No Flammable service ○ Yes ○ No
Heating coil code stamped ○ Yes ○ No Lethal/toxic service ○ Yes ○ No
Performance data — Tube side
In Out
Fluid name Temperature, °C _ _
Total fluid entering, kg/h Total flow rate (liq./vap.), kg/h / _ / _
Dew/bubble point, °C _/_ _ Water/steam, kg/h / _ / _
○ Pour point ○ Freeze point, °C Noncondensable, kg/h / _ / _
Latent heat, kJ/kg Relative Molecular mass. (vap./non-cond.) / _ / _
Inlet pressure ○ kPa (ga) ○ kPa (abs) Density (liq./vap.), kg/m3 / _ / _
Pressure drop (allow./calc.), kPa _/ Specific heat (liq./vap.), kJ/kg·K / _ / _
Velocity (allow./calc.), m/s _/ Thermal conductivity (liq/vap.), W /m·K / _ / _
Inside foul res., m2 ·K/W Viscosity (liq./vap.), mPa·s / _ / _
Performance data — Air side
Air inlet temperature (design dry bulb), °C _ Face velocity, m/s
Air flow rate/item, (kg/h) (m3/h) _ Min. design ambient temp., °C
Mass velocity (net free area), kg/s·m2 _ Air Altitude, m
outlet temperature, °C _ Air Static pressure, kPa
flowrate/fan, m3/h

Design, materials and construction

Design pressure, kPa (ga) _ Heating coil
Test pressure, kPa (ga) _ No. of tubes _ O.D., mm _
Design temperature, °C _ Tube material _
Min. design metal temperature, °C Fin material and type _
Thickness, mm _
Tube bundle Pressure design code _
Size (W × L), m _ Stamp? ○ Yes ○ No
No./bay _ No. of tube rows _ Heating fluid Flow, kg/s _
Bundles in parallel In series _ Temperature (in/out), °C / _
Structure mounting ○ Grade ○Pipe rack ○ Other Inlet pressure, kPa (ga) _
Pipe-rack beams (distance C-C) Pressure drop (allow./calc.), kPa _/
Ladders, walkways, platforms ○ Yes ○ No Design temp., °C, des. press., kPa (ga) /_ _
Structure surf. prep./coating Inlet/outlet nozzle, DN _/_
Header surf. prep./coating _ Header
Louvre Type _
Material _ Material _
Action control: ○ Auto ○ Manual Corr. allow., mm _
Action type: ○ Opposed ○ Parallel No. of passes * _
* Give tube count of each pass if irregular.

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 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

Job No. _ Item No.

Page 2 of 2 By
AIR-COOLED HEAT EXCHANGER
Date _ Revision
DATA SHEET (SI UNITS)
Proposal No. _ Contract No.

Header (continued) No./bundle _ Length, m _

Slope, mm/m _ Pitch, mm _
Plug material Layout _
Gasket material Fin
Nozzle No. Size, DN Rating and facing Type _
Inlet Material _
Outlet Stock thickness, mm _
Vent Selection temperature, °C
Drain O.D., mm. _ No./m _
Misc. conn's: TI _ PI Customer specification _
Chemical cleaning
Min. wall thickness, mm
Tube
Material
O.D., mm. Min. wall thickness, mm.

Mechanical equipment

Fan Speed, r/min Service factor _

Manufacturer & model _ Enclosure _
No./bay Speed, r/min _ Volt Phase Cycle
Diameter, m No. of blades Fan noise level (allow./calc.), dB(A), @m _/_
Angle
Pitch adjustment: ○ Manual ○ Auto Speed reducer
Blade material Hub material Type _
kW/[email protected]. @min.amb. Manufacturer & model _
Max. allow./calc.tip speed, m/s / No./bay _
Driver Service factor Speed ratio /1
Type Support: ○ Structure ○ Pedestal
Manufacturer & model Vib. switch: ○ Yes ○ No
No./bay _ Driver kW _ Enclosure _

Controls air-side

Air recirculation: ○ None ○Internal ○External Louvres: ○ Inlet ○ Outlet ○ Bypass

Over: ○Side ○End Positioner: ○Yes ○No
Degree control of outlet process temp. Signal air pressure, kPa (ga)
(max. cooling), +/– °C / _ From To …………………….
Action on control signal failure From To
Fan pitch: ○ Minimum ○ Maximum ○ Lockup ……………………… Supply air
Louvres: ○ Open ○ Close ○ Lockup pressure, kPa (ga)
Actuator air supply Max. _ Min.
Fan: ○ None ○ Positioner ○ Bias relay Max. _ Min.

Shipping

Plot area (W × L), m _ Total _

Bundle mass, kg _ Shipping, kg _
Bay _

20
 Jan. 1996 IPS-E-PR-785

APPENDIX D
ADVENTAGES OF FORCED AND INDUCED DRAFT FANS

Forced Draft
1) Generally requires less power for air temperature rise greater than 10°C. Horsepower
varies inversely with the absolute temperature.
2) Adaptable for winterization, pour-point recirculation schemes.
3) Mechanical equipment more readily accessible for maintenance.
4) Less structural support required.
5) No mechanical equipment-exposed-to hot exhaust air. Whereas induced draft is
subjected to much higher temperature.
6) Isolated supports for mechanical equipment.
7) Exchangers are easier to remove for repairs.
8) Offers better accessibility to the fan for on-stream maintenance and fan-blade
adjustment.
9) Structural costs are less and mechanical life is longer.
10) Simplifies future plant expansion by providing direct access to bundle for replacement.

Induced Draft
1) Generally requires less power for an air temperature rise less than 10°C.
2) Less hot air recirculation as exhaust air velocity is about 2½ times that of forced draft.
3) Offers bundle protection from adverse weather (rain, hail, snow, etc.). Also, shields the
bundle from solar heating and rain quenching.
4) Better suited for cases with close approach temperatures between inlet air and outlet
fluid.
5) Will transfer more heat by natural convection with fans off because of the stack effect.
6) Air distribution over exchanger is better.
7) Sections are closer to ground and easier to maintain, provided driver mounted below
cooler.
8) Few walkways needed, mounting easier overhead.
9) Connecting piping usually less.
10) permits the installation of air-cooled equipment above other mechanical equipment
such as pipe racks or shell &tube exchangers
11) Better process control and stability, because the plenum covers 60% of the bundle face
area, reducing the effect of sun, rain and hail.

21