What is heat exchangers?

A heat exchanger is a device that uses two or more fluids to transfer heat. Another example is a heat sink, which would be a passive heat exchanger that transfers heat from an electrical or mechanical device to a fluid medium, most often air or liquid coolant.

A heat exchanger is a device that permits heat from one fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through another without the two fluids coming into direct contact. A heating furnace, for example, consumes natural gas that is transported over water via pipes. The heat exchange would halt if the gas and the water came into direct touch, and the water would never warm up. Types of Heat Exchangers Despite the fact that all heat exchangers serve the same function, there are many kinds with diverse uses. Understanding the various heat exchangers can assist you in determining the best equipment for your company.

Types of Heat Exchangers

1. Double Tube Heat Exchangers:

A tube within a tube arrangement is used in double tube heat exchangers. There are two pipes, one of which is constructed within the other. One fluid travels through the inner pipe, while the second fluid flows around the first fluid in the outer pipe, as in the illustration above. This form of heat exchanger is the most simple and cost-effective of all. Its compact size makes it excellent for limited places, giving for more flexibility in the production process architecture.

2. Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers:

Shell and tube heat exchangers are the most adaptable of all the heat exchanger kinds. A shell and tube heat exchanger is made up of a number of tubes that are enclosed within a cylindrical shell. This type of heat exchanger's common design allows for a wide variety of pressures and temperatures. The use of the shell and tube heat exchanger is an option to consider if you need to cool or heat a significant volume of fluids or gases. A shell and tube heat exchanger is smaller than some of the other varieties, but it can be readily taken down for cleaning and maintenance.

3. Tube in Tube Heat Exchangers:

A tube in tube heat exchanger is made up of two tubes, one for each fluid, similar to the other types of heat exchangers. The tubes, on the other hand, are coiled to produce outside and interior design. In tube design, the use of a tube may be rather inventive. Most designs for this kind are small since the tubes are coiled together. The high temperature and high-pressure applications for a tube in the tube heat exchanger are the most common. A tube in tube heat exchanger has a better efficiency since it runs at a higher output.

4. Plate Heat Exchangers:

The plate heat exchanger is the exception to the rule, as all of the other types of heat exchangers mentioned thus far share a similar design. Heat is transferred between two fluids using metal plates. The plate is a metal casing with gaps inside that function as corridors for fluids to pass through. Because a plate heat exchanger has a larger surface area in contact with the fluids, it may transfer heat more quickly than other types. Although plate heat exchangers are more costly, the increased efficiency is a significant benefit. Because of its longevity and low maintenance rates, this type of heat exchanger is best employed in areas like power plants.

How Do Heat Exchangers Work?

Heat exchangers function in a variety of ways, with a variety of flow arrangements, equipment, and design characteristics. All heat exchangers have one thing in common: they all serve to expose a warmer medium to a colder media, thereby exchanging heat, whether directly or indirectly. A series of tubes enclosed within some sort of casing is generally utilized to accomplish this. Other components and equipment, such as heat exchanger fans, condensers, belts, coolants, extra tubes and lines, and other components and equipment, all serve to enhance heating and cooling efficiency or flow.

Why Are Heat Exchangers Needed?

Heat exchangers are used in a wide variety of industries. They're found in air conditioning and cooling systems, as well as heating systems. Many industrial processes need a certain amount of heat to work; nevertheless, extreme caution must usually be exercised to prevent these processes from becoming excessively hot. Heat exchangers are used in industrial facilities and factories to maintain equipment, chemicals, water, gas, and other substances at a safe working temperature. Heat exchangers can also be used to catch and transmit steam or heat exhaust that is produced as a byproduct of a process or activity, allowing the steam or heat to be utilized more efficiently and saving the company money.

Read more about Selection of Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers