An air-cooled condenser will provide process cooling of exhaust steam as part of the power generation operation at the Red Leaf Resources Inc. shale oil extraction process plant in Seep Ridge, Utah. Natural gas produced at the site will power two boilers serving a 7 MW steam turbine generator. The ACC manufactured by SPX Cooling Technologies Inc. will condense exhaust steam from the steam turbine and return condensate to the boilers through the use of dry cooling, thus eliminating water usage from the cooling process. The plant is expected to be operational in late 2015.

The Red Leaf Seep Ridge plant will utilize the EcoShale In-Capsule Process developed and patented by Red Leaf, South Jordan, Utah. The process involves heating mined shale in a closed surface impoundment or capsule to produce high quality feedstock. The production of high hydrogen content natural (produced) gas is a byproduct of the extraction process.

The utilization of this produced gas for power generation represents captured value that would otherwise be lost potential in the shale-oil extraction process. The project requirements include the use of this produced gas for power generation.

The modular design of SPX Cooling Technologies’ ModuleAir ACC provides factory-assembled structural components, duct and heat exchanger bundles to shorten construction duration and reduce construction costs. The condenser offers improved performance during low ambient conditions, according to the company, and enhanced annual average power plant output. Benefits include long-term mechanical and thermal integrity, excellent corrosion and freeze resistance, low fan power consumption, reliable operation and low maintenance, elimination of water usage and flexibility in power plant site selection.