Thermosyphon Reboiler -

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Thermosyphon Reboiler:- A reboiler is an

equipment which is installed with the distillation
column and its purpose is to convert the liquid
which is provided by the bottom tray of the
distillation column into vapours. These vapours
are then returned to the distillation column. A
reboiler is essentially a heat exchanger.

Thermosyphon Reboiler

The name thermosyphon is made up of two

words; ‘thermo’ meaning relating to heat and
‘syphon’ means transfer of a fluid from one
place to another by means of suction or
immersion. In thermosyphon reboilers, natural
circulation is obtained by using the density
difference between the reboiler column bottoms
liquid and the reboiler outlet vapour-liquid
mixture to provide sufficient liquid head to
deliver the tower bottoms into the reboiler.

Vertical Thermosyphon Reboilers.

Horizontal Thermosyphon Reboilers.

1. Vertical Thermosyphon Reboilers

Vertical Thermosyphon Reboilers

A vertical thermosyphon reboiler consists of

single pass tube bundle and it is covered by
TEMA E-shell. The tube bundles are placed
vertically such that the axis of the tube is
perpendicular to the ground. The liquid which is
to be boiled usually flows through the tube side.
The heating fluid is usually passed through the
shell side, the role of the heating fluid is to
provide energy to the boiling liquid so that a
fraction of the liquid flowing through the tubes
will get vaporized. The two phase fluid then
flows in to the distillation column where it gets
separated.

The liquid in the column is usually maintained at

the level close to the tube sheet to provide
adequate static head. When operating at
vacuum, the liquid level is kept at 50-70% of the
tube height to reduce the boiling point elevation
of the liquid fed to the reboiler.

Advantages of Vertical Thermosyphon Reboiler

These reboilers can be attached directly to

the column so the cost of support
structure and piping are minimized and
also a part of plot space is saved.
Relatively high velocities are attained
which helps in minimizing fouling.
The TEMA E-shells are relatively
inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Vertical Thermosyphon Reboiler

Due to large static head, the boiling point

increases.
 Vertical configuration makes maintenance
more difficult.

2. Horizontal Thermosyphon Reboiler

Horizontal Thermosyphon Reboiler

The tube bundle and the shell in horizontal

thermosyphon reboiler are placed such that
their axis are parallel to the ground. The shells
can be of the type TEMA G, TEMA H or TEMA X.
The tube passes can be configured for single
pass or multiple passes.
If it is configured for multiple passes then U-
tube types can be used. The boiling liquid is fed
in the shell side and the heating fluid flows
through the tube. Boiling takes place on the
exterior of the tube surface and the boiling
liquid is then returned to the column. This type
of boiler is usually a choice when viscosity of
the boiling liquid is relatively high because
relatively small static head is required to
overcome the fluid friction.

Advantages of Horizontal Thermosyphon Reboiler

It is relatively easier to remove the tubes

and clean them.
It is relatively more effective at low
temperature differences.

Disadvantages of Horizontal Thermosyphon Reboiler

The process fluid on the shell side leads to

fouling.
Relatively larger plot area is required for
installation.