Winterized Air Coolers
Suffering from frozen air-cooler bundles?
This is a common problem in our northern climate, and one that is not fully understood and appreciated by aerial cooler manufacturers outside Canada.
Altex can offer custom engineered & built winterized designs that utilizes air-recirculation and/or other strategies to ensure safe and proper operation during the coldest winter nights.
Alternatively, Altex can help troubleshoot and solve your freezing issues that could be caused by poor design, operational errors, changing process conditions, or some combination thereof.
Warm Air Recirculation
Winterization (warm-air recirculation) use a duct system with automatic louvers to reuse warm air and prevent freezing of process fluids. Freezing can occur with water or hydrates in gas, but it can also occur in viscous liquids with high pour points.
We can achieve process turndowns as low as 5% in cold weather climates by leveraging Altex experience with the clever application of technologies.
Altex air-coolers comply with API 661 and ASME VIII-Div.1 at minimum, and we incorporate customer specifications and requirements as needed.
Altex Air Cooled Heat Exchangers with Winterization may include:
To ensure efficient performance and reliability in cold climates, our winterized air-cooled heat exchangers are engineered with adaptable features that minimize energy use and support seamless operation in sub-zero conditions.
- VFD compatible electric motors and fans that allow controlled power consumption during winter season.
- Multi-fan units that permit one or more fans to be turned down or off in colder months to reduce power consumption
- Internal or external recirculation (over ends or sides)
- Shipping to site as a fully assembled module with minimal to no field assembly.
- Glycol coils or Ruffneck style electric heaters for emergency winter startup.
Our winterized recirculation systems are designed to prevent freezing and maintain flow integrity in cold climates. Altex delivers dependable, engineered systems tailored to your operational environment and performance goals.
FAQs
What is winterized recirculation in air cooled heat exchangers?
Winterized recirculation is a design approach that redirects warm discharge air back across the finned bundles to prevent fluid freezing in cold environments. This allows air cooled heat exchangers to maintain stable temperatures during winter operation.
Why is winterization important for air cooled heat exchangers in cold climates?
Without winterization, process fluids can overcool, thicken, or freeze when ambient temperatures drop. Winterized recirculation protects equipment, maintains flow efficiency, and supports safe year round operation.
How does winterized recirculation help achieve lower turndown levels?
By using recycled warm air and reducing exposure to extreme cold, winterized recirculation improves control at low process loads. This helps facilities operate efficiently even at lower turndown percentages.
What winterization features can be included in a recirculation system?
Systems can include ducting, louvres, multi-fan configurations, VFD compatibility, airflow controls, and optional heating support, depending on climate demands and process requirements.
Can winterized recirculation systems be customized for specific industries and sites?
Yes. Winterized units are engineered based on the climate zone, operating conditions, fluid characteristics, and performance targets of each project. This ensures reliable operation across diverse industrial applications.
