Improve efficiency with Tranter heat exchangers

Heat Exchangers for Oil & Gas Operations

Oil and gas heat exchangers - Pipes at a refinery

Oil and gas plants face some of the harshest operating conditions in the world. From upstream to downstream, operators must balance extreme pressures and corrosive fluids with tight schedules, strict licenser standards, and unforgiving budgets. 

Tranter plate heat exchangers are engineered to deliver compact, efficient, and reliable thermal performance, with support from pre-FEED stage to documentation and delivery.

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Stay efficient, stay in control

Tranter heat exchangers help you tackle the unique demands of oil and gas operations with solutions designed to deliver reliability and efficiency where it matters most:

  • Configured to actual duty data for accurate performance, avoiding oversizing and wasted CAPEX.
  • FEED-stage support with fast thermal design, documentation, and bid assistance to help win approvals with licensors and EPCs. 
  • Optimal plate technology delivers high capacity in a fraction of the footprint of traditional exchangers.
  • Proven designs that perform reliably and consistently in offshore rigs, FPSOs, and refinery layouts.
  • On-spec, on-time deliveries aligned with requirements and project schedules.

Oil and gas industry

When the pressure’s on, your exchangers can’t fail

Corrosion and fouling

Materials and flow patterns resist scaling and deposits, extending run time between cleaning.

Communication

Energy waste

Recover more heat from hot streams to cut operating fuel demand and CO₂ emissions.

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Eliminating space limitations

Space is a commodity in oil and gas operations. Compact designs that make brownfield upgrades and offshore layouts possible.

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Compliance risk

Exchangers built to EN, ASME, API, and ISO standards — as well as other third party approvals (ABS, DNV, LLOYDS) — easing audits and licenser reviews.

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Our recommendations

Find the best suited products for your application

Gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger

Superchanger®

For applications where efficiency, compact design, and ease of maintenance are key considerations.
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Shell and plate heat exchanger

Supermax®

For processes that require plate heat exchanger efficiency with enhanced pressure and temperature capabilities.
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Welded block heat exchanger

NovusBloc®

For severe service duties involving fouling media, corrosive fluids, or demanding operating conditions.
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Recommended services

Oil and gas industry

Discover our specialized expertise

Offshore platforms & FPSOs

Tranter’s compact exchangers deliver the highest capacity of cooling and heating in small footprints, with materials (such as Titanium Grade 1) proven against seawater corrosion.

That means less weight topside, easier integration, and longer service intervals, which are critical in this application.

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Gas treatment & conditioning

Gas treatment requires precise cooling and condensation, with optimal heat recovery, to keep throughput steady and meet export specs.

Our exchangers handle aggressive process fluids efficiently while resisting fouling, reducing both energy use and unplanned maintenance.

Gas-storage

Inside the application

Tranter solutions for FPSO applications

Produced water cooler

The feedwater to the desalter is heated by exchanging heat with produced water from the desalter. Tranter's energy process line gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers generate high wall shear stress, helping to reduce the risk of fouling on the produced water side.

Shell and plate interstage cooler I

Hydrocarbon gas separated from the production fluids in the production separator need to be compressed and condensed to reduce emissions and recover valuable hydrocarbons. The hot hydrocarbon gas leaving the compressor is cooled in the shell and plate interstage coolers and condensed liquids are separated from the gas stream in the flash drums. Using a Shell and plate unit over a Shell and tube or Printed Circuit unit, saves CAPX and space, and it minimizes fouling, OPEX and the utility consumption.

Shell and plate interstage cooler II

Hydrocarbon gas separated from the production fluids in the production separator need to be compressed and condensed to reduce emissions and recover valuable hydrocarbons. The hot hydrocarbon gas leaving the compressor is cooled in the shell and plate interstage coolers and condensed liquids are separated from the gas stream in the flash drums. Using a Shell and plate unit over a Shell and tube or Printed Circuit unit, saves CAPX and space, and it minimizes fouling, OPEX and the utility consumption.

Crude oil interchanger

Dry crude oil coming from the desalter is interchanged with untreated crude oil from the multiphase separator, thus reducing the heat input required to the crude oil inlet heater. Tranter's energy process line gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers, normally in 2 x 100% or 3 x 50% configurations for easy maintenance, provides a compact design that is easy to install on modules. Plate technology minimizes fouling through high channel velocities and shear stress, while its high thermal efficiency improves heat recovery, reducing heating medium consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Crude oil heaters

Wet crude oil is heated to the final desalting temperature using hot water or steam. Tranter’s energy process line gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers are specifically designed to prevent plate flexing while delivering high thermal efficiency, reducing the overall energy required to reach the crude desalting temperature. Where high-pressure steam is used as the heating medium, gasket-free solutions such as Tranter Shell and plate heat exchangers or Welded Block units can complement conventional gasketed installations.

Crude oil cooler

The dry crude oil is further cooled by seawater or freshwater to obtain a suitable vapor pressure. To avoid the risk of waxing problems when the crude oil is cooled to storage temperature, an easily maintained gasketed unit is beneficial to use. Tranter's energy process line gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers, normally in 2 x 100% or 3 x 50% configurations for easy maintenance, provides a compact design that is easy to install on modules.

Process cooling medium cooler

Process cooling medium coolers use seawater to cool the fresh water or glycol-based cooling medium used throughout FPSO process systems. Tranter’s energy process line gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers are designed to handle large flow rates in a compact footprint. Their high heat transfer coefficients enable precise temperature control while maximizing the effectiveness of the cooling medium. High turbulence and wall shear stress help reduce fouling, while 2 × 100% or 3 × 50% configurations simplify maintenance and support high operational availability.

Lean amine trim cooler

Before entering the absorber, the lean amine needs to be cooled to the required absorption temperature. A Tranter ThermoFit gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger as trim cooler is easily maintained and provides precise temperature control.

Acid gas condenser

At the top of the stripper column, condensable vapors are partially condensed using a Tranter shell and plate heat exchanger. The remaining non-condensable acid gases, primarily H₂S and CO₂, leave the top of the column for further treatment. As an acid gas condenser, the Tranter shell and plate heat exchanger provides a compact, gasket-free design and can operate with low gas-side pressure drop due to the short flow paths created by its circular plate design.

Stripper reboiler

Acidic components are evaporated in the reboiler section of the stripper system. The short flow paths and high thermal efficiency of the Tranter shell and plate heat exchanger make it well suited for reboiler duties, while providing significant space and weight savings compared to traditional shell and tube heat exchangers.

Lean/rich amine interchanger

The rich amine stream from the absorber, containing absorbed acidic components, is heated by the lean amine stream returning from the stripper. Tranter NovusBloc welded block heat exchangers provide a gasket-free design with increased tolerance to process conditions such as elevated temperatures, high H₂S concentrations, and dissolved heavy hydrocarbons in the amine, while maintaining easy access to both sides for inspection and cleaning. NovusBloc can achieve high heat recovery, improving the efficiency of FPSO processing systems with a compact footprint. Where process conditions permit, Tranter energy process line gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers is a flexible alternative.

Lean TEG cooler

Lean TEG is cooled to the optimum temperature before entering the absorber. For maximum absorption efficiency, the pump can be installed upstream of the TEG cooler, making the Tranter shell and plate heat exchanger an optimal choice. Its compact design can handle high pressures while reducing space and weight requirements on the gas dehydration skid compared to traditional shell and tube heat exchangers. When the pump is installed downstream of the cooler, a Tranter gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger can be used, providing easy maintenance.

Vent condenser

A Tranter shell and plate heat exchanger can be used at the top of the stripping column to condense the water and hydrocarbon mixture. The shell and plate heat exchanger provides a compact, low-weight, gasket-free design.

Lean/rich TEG interchanger

The rich triethylene glycol (TEG) is preheated before entering the stripper using a Tranter NovusBloc welded block heat exchanger or shell and plate heat exchanger. The heat exchanger minimizes the required reboiler duty while meeting the low-pressure-drop requirements on the lean side. Both designs provide a gasket-free solution with significantly lower space and weight requirements than traditional shell and tube heat exchangers. NovusBloc and shell and plate heat exchangers can achieve a closer practical temperature approach, reducing the energy required by the FPSO process system.

Shell and plate interstage cooler I

Gas is compressed in multiple stages and cooled in interstage coolers. Condensed liquids are separated from the gas stream in flash drums after each cooling stage, continuously removing liquids before the gas enters the next compression stage. Depending on the required gas dryness, dehydration may be required prior to the final discharge compression stage. Tranter shell and plate heat exchangers used as interstage coolers provide excellent reliability due to their high resistance to pressure and thermal fatigue. Their short flow paths and large flow cross-sections also make them particularly suited for two-phase flows with a high LMTD between the hot and cold sides of the heat exchanger.

Shell and plate interstage cooler II

Gas is compressed in multiple stages and cooled in interstage coolers. Condensed liquids are separated from the gas stream in flash drums after each cooling stage, continuously removing liquids before the gas enters the next compression stage. Depending on the required gas dryness, dehydration may be required prior to the final discharge compression stage. Tranter shell and plate heat exchangers used as interstage coolers provide excellent reliability due to their high resistance to pressure and thermal fatigue. Their short flow paths and large flow cross-sections also make them particularly suited for two-phase flows with a high LMTD between the hot and cold sides of the heat exchanger.

Shell and plate interstage cooler III

Gas is compressed in multiple stages and cooled in interstage coolers. Condensed liquids are separated from the gas stream in flash drums after each cooling stage, continuously removing liquids before the gas enters the next compression stage. Depending on the required gas dryness, dehydration may be required prior to the final discharge compression stage. Tranter shell and plate heat exchangers used as interstage coolers provide excellent reliability due to their high resistance to pressure and thermal fatigue. Their short flow paths and large flow cross-sections also make them particularly suited for two-phase flows with a high LMTD between the hot and cold sides of the heat exchanger.

Camshaft lube oil cooler

The Camshaft Lube oil cooler removes heat from the lube oil circulating the camshaft bearings. Tranter's marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers provides reliable operation and precise temperature control, ensuring the right oil viscosity for effective lubrication of the camshaft mechanism and preventing thermal shock. 

Main engine lube oil cooler

The hot lube oil is cooled in a Tranter marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger using the low-temperature (LT) central cooling freshwater. Without proper cooling, the lubricating oil can degrade, leading to reduced efficiency and failure of critical engine components. Tranter marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers provide precise temperature control, reliable operation at sea and easy maintenance. Tranter's global marine service offers emergency service or service contracts in most ports around the world.

ME/TC lube oil cooler

The Main Engine Turbocharger (ME/TC) Lube oil cooler is a specialized heat exchanger in a marine diesel engine designed to reduce the temperature of the lube oil used for the turbocharger bearings. The cooler removes the immense heat absorbed by the oil as it passes through the high-speed, high-temperature turbocharger bearings, typically using freshwater from the engine's low-temperature cooling system. Tranter's marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger provides reliable operation to maintain lube oil viscosity and prevent oil breakdown that will cause bearing failure.

Stern tube lube oil cooler

While many ships rely on natural cooling through the shell plating, a dedicated lube oil cooler may be required when the heat generated by friction exceeds the stern tube’s natural heat dissipation capacity to the surrounding seawater. This is particularly relevant for vessels with high-power engines or when using specialized lubricants. Tranter Marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers provide continuous temperature control, maintaining proper oil viscosity and temperature to help extend seal life while reducing the risk of water contamination and oil degradation.

Jacket water cooler

The jacket water cooler cools the closed-loop fresh water that removes heat from the engine's highest-temperature areas (jackets) such as engine cylinder liners and exhaust valves. Heated jacket water flows from the engine to the Tranter marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchanger, where it exchanges heat to the cooling medium before being pumped back into the engine, protecting the engine from over-heating.

MGO cooler

The MGO cooler reduces the temperature of marine gas oil (MGO) to increase its viscosity for safe engine operation. Low-viscosity MGO can lead to excessive wear and fuel pump damage, making temperature control essential for reliable operation and long equipment life. Tranter marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers provide reliable performance and precise temperature control.

Central fresh water coolers

Central fresh water coolers use seawater to cool a secondary fresh water circuit. This circuit supplies a range of coolers, including lube oil coolers, jacket water coolers and charge air coolers. Using fresh water in the secondary circuit helps minimize corrosion and scaling in machinery and equipment, supporting reliable operation. Tranter Marine gasketed plate and frame heat exchangers equipped with titanium plates provide excellent corrosion resistance in seawater service, along with high thermal efficiency and precise temperature control. The high turbulence generated within the plate channels helps reduce scaling and biological growth. Tranter central fresh water coolers can come equipped with in-line strainers on the seawater inlet to capture debris and particles, supporting efficient long-term operation.

Why Tranter

A partner you can trust

Proven experience

References in major oil and gas projects worldwide, both upstream and downstream.

OEM heritage

90+ years of heat exchanger engineering and manufacturing expertise.

Global reach

Parts and technicians where you need them, backed by centralized QA and engineering.

Application-driven design

Configured from your real process data for reliable duty and smoother integration with licenser requirements.

Innovation-center2

Engineering for tomorrow’s oil and gas challenges

Our R&D focuses on what matters most in oil and gas: plate designs that handle higher pressures, compact layouts for space-constrained sites, and alloys built for aggressive media.

The result? Fewer stoppages, higher efficiency, and solutions that help you hit both production and sustainability targets.

Tranter FullServ Logo rgb NEG

Tranter FullServ® – service without limits

With Tranter FullServ®, you get lifecycle support for every brand of heat exchangers. We keep your equipment running, from inspection and reconditioning to emergency on-site service. 

Our rapid-response teams and local service centers around the world ensure your exchangers deliver peak performance longer.

Resource center

Explore the exceptional service Tranter delivers

Parts and services

How we do it: Plate inspection and removal

When it comes to inspection and plate removal, it's crucial to pay attention to every detail. By following the necessary steps and taking the time to inspect and remove plates properly, we can ensure that your project is completed successfully. Learn more by listening to Dave Lusignolo, Director, Aftermarket Sales - North America

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Explore our latest guides and literature

Energy, Process industries

Tranter heat exchangers in green hydrogen production

Tranter’s compact plate heat exchangers are used in various energy intense industrial applications. Let’s take a look at how plate heat exchangers can be used in the production of green hydrogen and in the hydrogen value chain. 

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