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20 years on For more than two decades SME Group has specialized in delivering latest retrofitting, maintenance, repair and refurbishment services aimed at optimizing energy performance and cuts the vessel operating costs. One specific energy efficient retro fitting we highly recommend our customers. Replacing older generation, space-consuming conventional shell and tube heat exchangers with space saving, advanced design and new Plate Heat Exchangers(PHE’s). Here in SME we will describe the large savings potential by retrofitting and installation of PHEs, powered by SME engineering know-how coupled with processes accredited to ISO 9001/14001/45001.
Superior Thermal Efficiency and Lower Approach Temperatures
Higher thermal efficiency by means of the heat transfer coefficient(HTC) is obtained by heat exchangers with plates design than shell and tube type at lower range of thermal condition for use; such as sea service and operation. In the case of utilizing of this condition PHE heat exchanger can increase heat performance on basis to obtain sufficient heat exchange per unit area. PHE allows the minimum approach temperature as low as 4-7C versus at least 10C for shell and tube types. This feature contributes to realize higher amount of recoveries of the jacket cooling water and lubrication cooling system etc. Thus it will reduce more amount of auxiliary energy to consume for heating the system during winterization of the ship. Therefore it offers good performance consistency in variation of environmental condition by adopting the PHE for any ship application.
Significant Retrofit Cost Savings and Rapid Payback
It is not unusual for the upfront cost of a PHE retrofit to be relatively cheap in comparison to that of an old shell and tube replacement although the overall benefits are significantly higher. According to an industry wide assessment replacing older inefficient shell & tube replacement by installing small and light weight compact PHE's results in saving by 59% both in terms of time, costs of installation etc and paybacks can occur in as little as 3.1 years at only 42% of payback time versus a normal replacement method. The correct technical advice from SME's engineers assists in producing an accurate cost benefit report on each unit considering factors including energy savings, savings in pumping power (low pressure drop), savings in maintenance cycles.
Reduced Fouling, Lower Maintenance, and Extended Service Life
All marine heat exchangers face challenges of contact with seawater, biofouling, scaling and particles over time. PHEs with less turbulence compared with a traditional shell-and-tube design, and smoother plate surfaces have better fouling resistant properties. At the asymptotic fouling point (where accumulation and removal are balanced) PHEs show much lower absolute thermal resistance enabling high efficiency over much extended periods of time. Additionally, PHEs are very easy to maintain on board; complete plate packs can be readily removed and cleaned and single plates exchanged if capacity requirements change. Every retrofit performed by SME benefits from our 12 month warranty assuring ongoing reliable operation and negating any client apprehension relating to the selection of a short term supplier.
Supporting Decarbonization and Emission Reduction Goals
Energy savings gained by the retrofits of these PHE’s are directly saving emissions on CO₂. Fuel efficiency is obtained via increasing CO₂ recovered heat, reducing use on auxiliary boilers, chillers, lower overall CO₂ emissions. PHE’s applied as lean/rich cross-exchangers has demonstrated CO₂ avoided cost up to 16%, when comparing PHE with shell and tube solution, when dealing CO₂ capture.IMO has a firm and objective to reach ‘Net Zero’ with an ambitious deadline until 2050 and any gain is important. All SME’s PHE retrofits, in their cooling applications, fuel system conditioning or in waste heat recuperation, all are applied based on the decarbonization world strategy, offering at the same time, a strong cost effective operation.
Conclusion: Partner with SME for Smarter Retrofits
PHE Installation the cheapest and easiest solution when upgrading your ships on-shore power plant. Certified according to ISO standards and accredited to ANAB / IAF / UKAS standards, and with 20+ years in marine engineering, SME Group offer turnkey solutions for your PHE retrofit - from initial engineering survey, full installation and all necessary commissioning steps to be completed with minimum effort at shipyards around the globe. 100+ engineers around the clock globally – even in mainland China. 12 month’s warranty is included in our services to help you minimize your risks and maximize your satisfaction.