repHEN, an innovative solution
We have also been looking for solutions to this global problem for years. In 2010, we developed an internal tool known as rePHEN, Repsol Heat Exchanger Network. This model simulates exchanger networks to analyze their maintenance condition, compare their performance in their current condition and “clean” condition, and calculate the extra energy expense associated with the accumulation of dirt that is needed to heat the crude oil.
Information generated helps our technicians design a more appropriate cleaning strategy for the exchangers as they are able to determine what exchanger is the dirtiest at each moment in time and what type of cleaning can have the most impact on the network without taking time for a general shutdown.
And that is not this tool’s only benefit. Periodic analysis of the exchangers condition is helping our technicians to adopt new measures to prevent them from becoming dirty, such as redesigning equipment, installing bypasses to take them out of service, and cleaning them while operating, as well as adding new additives to the crude oil before putting it into the network.