What is the name of the vessel that hydraulically feeds liquid to heat exchangers in a pump overfeed design?

In a pump overfeed design, the correct term for the vessel that hydraulically feeds liquid to heat exchangers is indeed the recirculator. This vessel is essential in ensuring that the system maintains an adequate supply of liquid to the heat exchangers, allowing for efficient heat transfer.

The role of the recirculator is to return liquid from the discharge of the pump or from the system, ensuring that there is a constant flow and that no areas within the heat exchangers become stagnant. By maintaining this flow, the recirculator helps optimize the heat exchange process by keeping the thermal efficiency high and preventing localized overheating or cooling.

This specific function distinguishes the recirculator from other vessels like accumulators, which are designed to store energy in the form of pressurized fluid and may not directly feed liquid to heat exchangers. Similarly, a surge drum is used to manage fluctuations in liquid flow or pressure, often providing a buffer, rather than serving as the primary feed for heat exchangers. The high-pressure receiver (HPR) primarily manages liquid and vapor phases in high-pressure systems and is not specifically tasked with the hydraulic feeding role needed in pump overfeed designs.