Materials of Construction
Materials of Construction
(OP)
Does anyone know what the reasons are why LNG Plants use Aluminium heat exchangers instead of other metals/alloys?
I understand the SS's are relatively cheap but not good heat exchanger, however Copper is good.
So, Aluminium is approximately 1/3 the cost of Copper however only has about 1/2 the thermal conductivity of Copper. (Copper - 401 W/m.K, Aluminium - 237 W/m.K).
I know Mercury is a big problem for Aluminium HEX's in relation to corrosion. Would Copper have similar corrosion problems if used as HEX material in a gas processing plant?
I'm just trying to determine why Aluminium is the industry wide accepted material for this application.
Thanks.
I understand the SS's are relatively cheap but not good heat exchanger, however Copper is good.
So, Aluminium is approximately 1/3 the cost of Copper however only has about 1/2 the thermal conductivity of Copper. (Copper - 401 W/m.K, Aluminium - 237 W/m.K).
I know Mercury is a big problem for Aluminium HEX's in relation to corrosion. Would Copper have similar corrosion problems if used as HEX material in a gas processing plant?
I'm just trying to determine why Aluminium is the industry wide accepted material for this application.
Thanks.





RE: Materials of Construction
My gut reaction is that the propensity towards aluminum over copper or other alloys may have as much to do with market inertia as with anything else.
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Materials of Construction
As to why Aluminum? Well, for one thing it melts easier... Just the perspective of a guy who generally works with steel!
jt
RE: Materials of Construction
Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.
chaswt
RE: Materials of Construction