Econotherm wins Thai refinery contract, expanding into Asia with efficient heat pipe technology that boosts energy recovery and operational reliability.
Econotherm has secured a significant contract to deliver an advanced heat pipe–based air-preheater system for a large refinery located in Thailand, reinforcing its growing presence in global energy efficiency solutions. The system, designed for integration with a fired heater, will have a thermal capacity of 6.6 MW and is scheduled for delivery in 2027. Key components, including the company’s proprietary heat pipe technology, will be manufactured at Econotherm’s production facility in Bridgend, Wales, while engineering activities for the project are already in progress.
This contract marks an important milestone for Econotherm as it establishes its footprint in the Asian refining sector. The project also represents the company’s eighth commercial reference within refinery applications, highlighting its increasing credibility and adoption in this specialized field. The announcement comes on the heels of another major achievement in 2025, when Econotherm was awarded a contract to supply three similar heat pipe air-preheaters for a refinery project in Rotterdam, Netherlands, further strengthening its track record in Europe.
Heat pipe heat exchangers are gaining widespread acceptance among refinery operators due to their efficiency and reliability in energy recovery processes. These systems are designed to capture waste heat from industrial operations and reuse it, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and improving operational sustainability. Compared to conventional tubular or finned heat exchangers, heat pipe systems offer inherent advantages, including built-in redundancy that eliminates single points of failure. This design feature significantly enhances reliability and reduces the likelihood of unexpected shutdowns or maintenance disruptions.
Additionally, heat pipe technology helps mitigate risks associated with acid gas condensation, a common challenge in refinery operations that can lead to corrosion and equipment damage. By addressing such operational risks while maximizing heat recovery, these systems provide a balanced and practical solution for refiners seeking long-term efficiency improvements.
Commenting on the development, Warren Chung, Global Product Director at Econotherm, emphasized the importance of investing in energy efficiency amid fluctuating global energy prices. He noted that refiners can achieve substantial cost savings and operational resilience by adopting effective heat recovery technologies. According to Chung, selecting the right technology is crucial to ensuring consistent performance and sustained benefits over the lifecycle of the equipment.
Overall, this contract not only underscores Econotherm’s technological capabilities but also reflects a broader industry trend toward adopting innovative, energy-efficient solutions in refining operations worldwide.
