How MeeFog’s Heat Exchanger Pre-Cooling System Helped TC Energy Keep Gas Temperatures Under Control

Project Overview

TC Energy, a major natural gas infrastructure operator, faced difficulties cooling compressed natural gas at Station 650 during extreme summers. The existing fin-fans struggled to maintain safe gas temperatures during the summer heat, which threatened pipeline safety and efficient operation.

To solve this, TC Energy opted for a MeeFog heat exchanger pre-cooling system to boost the cooling of its existing infrastructure. The retrofit solution lowered the intake air temperature, increasing the cooling capacity of the fin-fans and maintaining safe gas temperatures without major system modifications.

Customer Profile

TC Energy is one of North America’s largest natural gas infrastructure companies. They operate compressor stations and other facilities that provide the reliable transportation of natural gas across the continent. Their Station 650 faced challenges with cooling during extreme summer temperatures.

The Challenge

During moderate temperatures, TC Energy’s fin-fans effectively cooled the compressed gas. However, during extreme heat (around 90°F), the gas temperatures were nearing unsafe limits. This put pressure on the system, forcing operators to reduce flow, just as the demand surged. It was a scenario they couldn’t sustain long-term. The challenge was to lower gas temperatures without overhauling the existing cooling system.

The Solution

To address the challenges of cooling gas during extreme heat, MeeFog implemented a straightforward yet effective solution by introducing fog cooling to the existing infrastructure. The system involved installing 324 high-pressure stainless-steel nozzles around the fin-fans, creating a fine mist that cooled the intake air.

This retrofit improved the capacity of the existing fans, significantly improving cooling performance without requiring major changes or upgrades to the current system. This is what happened in gas turbine inlet cooling systems at power stations.

Key features of the heat exchanger pre-cooling system included:

• High-pressure nozzles for consistent fine droplet size
• Rapid evaporative cooling before droplets reached the equipment, keeping the system dry
• Water filtration and quality control for optimal performance

“The MeeFog system is working properly and providing us with up to an additional 5℃ of cooling,” said Maxime Langevin, Engineering Manager, Station 650, TC Energy.

Technical Details 

• 324 high-pressure stainless-steel nozzles
• Custom mounting racks around the cooler
• Filtration and water quality controls
• Four fans with a combined airflow of 552,128 acfm

What Was the Strategy MeeFog Used 

The MeeFog heat exchanger pre-cooling system was strategically installed around the existing fin-fans at Station 650. With custom mounting racks and integrated water filtration and quality control, MeeFog made sure that the fine mist evaporated before reaching the fin-fans. This approach helped boost cooling without overhauling the station 650’s core infrastructure or equipment layout.

Key Outcomes

• Reduced gas temperatures by approximately 10°F (5°C) during peak summer heat
• Enabled stable throughput during high-demand periods
• Maintained pipeline safety by keeping gas temperatures within the safe range
• Improved the efficiency of the fin-fans without requiring any mechanical modifications

Key Benefits of MeeFog’s High-Pressure Fogging System Explained 

Improved Cooling Performance

By lowering the intake air temperature, MeeFog significantly improved the cooling capacity of the existing fin-fans (~10°F or 5°C). This resulted in a steady reduction of gas temperatures, even during summer heat, providing smooth operations when demand was highest.

No Major System Overhaul

The MeeFog retrofit was designed to seamlessly integrate with the existing system. This solution provided a significant performance boost without requiring expensive modifications to the fin-fans or the overall cooling infrastructure, saving both time and costs.

Safe and Dry Operation

The high-pressure nozzles created a fine mist that fully evaporated before it came into contact with any equipment. This keeps the fin-fans, fins, and motors dry and protected, preventing any risk of moisture-related damage or performance issues.

Cost-Effective

With a low-maintenance design, the MeeFog system operated efficiently while reducing overall energy consumption. It provided a cost-effective cooling solution by improving performance and reducing the need for frequent maintenance, even during extreme heat events.

Why Choose MeeFog 

Since 1969, Mee Industries has been a trusted leader in high-pressure fogging solutions. Our systems have been installed globally, optimizing performance across diverse industries.

50+ Years of Experience

With more than five decades of expertise, MeeFog has honed its ability to deliver reliable and efficient cooling systems that meet the highest industry standards. Our long-standing track record reflects our deep understanding of customer needs and cutting-edge technology.

Proven Installations Worldwide

Our high-pressure fogging systems have been successfully implemented across the globe, helping businesses in power generation, HVAC, and various other sectors to improve performance. From North America to Europe, our installations consistently deliver enhanced efficiency and reliability.

Advanced High-Pressure Fog Systems

MeeFog employs state-of-the-art high-pressure fog systems that are designed for optimal performance. These systems provide precision cooling, energy efficiency, and minimal maintenance, keeping your operations productive and cost-effective.

TC Energy’s successful retrofit shows how MeeFog can make a significant difference in cooling performance. If you’re facing similar challenges, consider adding fog cooling to your facility to boost performance without expensive overhauls.