Titanium Sterilization Tank

Application:

Betaine sterilization for pharmaceutical factories.

Materials:

Coiled tube material: Grade 2 Titanium

Shell material: Grade 2 Titanium

Design Specifications

Design Pressure:

Tube: 0.09 MPa

Shell: 0.09 MPa

Hydrogen Test Pressure:0.44 MPa

Working Pressure:

Tube: 0.05 MPa

Shell: 0.05 MPa

Design Temperature Range:

Coiled Tube: 10~30°C

Shell: 10~130°C

Media in Use:

Coiled Tube: Circulating water

Shell: Betaine

Heat Exchanger Surface Area: 12.4 m²

Weight: 2780 kg

Purpose & Applications

Titanium tanks and heat exchangers are ideal for handling corrosive liquids due to their corrosion resistance and lightweight nature. The commonly used grades (GR2, GR7, GR12) offer excellent performance in:

Organic acids

Alkaline solutions

Inorganic salts

Organic compounds

Other corrosive media

Working Principle:

The heat exchanger operates by transferring heat between the circulating water in the coiled tubes and betaine in the shell. Betaine is often used in sterilization processes in pharmaceutical industries due to its specific thermodynamic properties. The titanium construction ensures high resistance to corrosion, making it particularly effective for sterilization environments where other materials might degrade over time.

Design Considerations:

Material Selection:
Titanium Grade 2 is selected for both the shell and coiled tube due to its excellent corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties, making it ideal for long-term operation in a pharmaceutical environment. Grade 7 or Grade 12 titanium alloys could be considered if higher corrosion resistance is needed.

Temperature & Pressure Limits:
Ensure that operational pressure does not exceed 0.05 MPa for tube and shell, as this is the designated working pressure. Over-pressurization can cause mechanical failure. Similarly, the design temperature for the coiled tube should be limited to a maximum of 30°C.

Testing:
A hydrogen test pressure of 0.44 MPa is specified, which is significantly higher than the working pressure. It’s crucial to follow the correct procedures for testing to ensure safety and functionality.

Maintenance and Inspection Recommendations:

1. Visual Inspections:
   Conduct routine visual inspections of the titanium surface for signs of corrosion or scaling. Titanium’s resistance to corrosion should minimize degradation, but monitoring is essential.

2. Pressure Testing:
   Regularly check the system under test pressure (0.44 MPa) to verify integrity.

3. Cleaning:
   Cleaning the coiled tube and shell periodically will help maintain efficiency, particularly if the circulating water or betaine medium develops scaling. Use non-abrasive, compatible cleaning agents to preserve the titanium surface.

4. Leak Checks:
   Monitor for leaks around the tube-shell interface and seals. Ensure the sealing materials are compatible with titanium and the media.

Commissioning & Start-Up:

1. Hydrostatic Pressure Test:
   Conduct a hydrostatic test at 0.44 MPa before initial startup to verify the integrity of the shell and tube under full test conditions.

2. Pre-Startup Inspection:
   Ensure all seals and connections are tight, and there are no obstructions in the flow path.

3. Operational Start-Up:
   Gradually introduce the betaine and circulating water to avoid pressure surges and thermal shocks. Monitor for leaks or unusual temperature/pressure variations during initial startup.

Safety Considerations:

Pressure Relief:
Ensure appropriate safety valves are installed and sized to protect the heat exchanger from exceeding design pressures during operation.

Temperature Control:
Install temperature monitoring and control systems to ensure the shell temperature stays within the design limits (max 130°C). Use fail-safes for over-temperature conditions.

Additional Recommendations:

Confirm the thermal load and temperature profiles across the heat exchanger.

Ensure compatibility of betaine with Grade 2 titanium for long-term exposure.

Recheck heat exchanger duty specifications and ensure surface area (12.4 m²) is adequate for the sterilization process.