Types of heat exchanger

Heat exchange is the equipment which transfers heat from hot fluid to cold fluid with maximum rate and minimum investment. There are various types of heat exchanger based on application and process requirement. Here is the list of some basic types of heat exchanger.

Types of heat exchanger

 

 

On the basis of nature of heat exchange process

• Direct contact
• Indirect contact

 

Regenerator type heat exchanger

In this type, hot and cold fluids pass alternately through a space containing solid particles or matrix. These particles act alternately as sink and source for heat flow.

Example: Gas turbine, IC engine, Air heater of blast furnace

 

Recuperator type heat exchanger

In this type, flowing fluids are separated by dividing wall in the form of pipes or tubes. This is used when mixing of the fluids is not desirable.

Example: Automobile radiator, Oil cooler, intercooler, economiser, superheater, condenser

 

Shell and tube type heat exchanger

This is the most common type of heat exchanger and widely used in many applications. . In this type, a number of tubes are arranged in a shell. Baffles are used in shell and tube type heat exchanger to prevent stagnation of fluid and increase turbulence. Baffles increase heat transfer coefficient of shell side and prevent tube fouling.

 

Plate type heat exchanger

The function of this type of heat exchanger is similar to that of shell and tube type heat exchanger. The only difference is plate instead of tubes. Plates provide a larger surface area for heat transfer. So heat transfer rate is comparatively higher.

 

On the basis of the relative direction of fluid motion

 

Parallel flow heat exchanger

When both hot and cold fluid move in the same direction

 

Counterflow heat exchanger

When both hot and cold fluid move in opposite direction

 

Cross flow heat exchanger

When directions of hot and cold fluids are perpendicular to each other.

 

Summary

Application of a particular heat exchanger depends on heat transfer rate required, type of process, space available and other factors. There are various types of heat exchanger in addition to this for specific requirements.