Heat Interchangers & Heat Exchangers are terms often used interchangeably, but they typically refer to the same concept: devices that transfer heat between two or more fluids.
Heat Interchangers
Terminology:
The term “heat interchanger” is less commonly used but typically refers to devices specifically designed for exchanging heat between process streams within an industrial setup, emphasizing the efficiency and integration into the process flow.
Principle and Construction:
Similar to heat exchangers, heat interchangers use the same principles and constructions mentioned above.
Applications:
Often found in integrated systems were optimizing heat recovery and minimizing energy consumption are critical, such as in chemical plants and refineries.
Heat Exchangers
Principle:
Heat exchangers transfer thermal energy from one fluid to another without mixing the fluids.
They can operate with liquids, gases, or both, and the fluids can be either in direct contact or separated by a solid wall.
Types of Heat Exchangers (Based on Construction):
1. Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers:
Construction: Composed of a series of tubes, one set carrying the hot fluid and the other carrying the cold fluid, enclosed within a cylindrical shell.
Working: Heat is transferred from the hot fluid inside the tubes to the cold fluid outside the tubes (or vice versa).
Applications: Power plants, oil refineries, and chemical processing.
2. Double Pipe Heat Exchangers:
Construction: Two concentric pipes, with one fluid flowing through the inner pipe and the other fluid flowing through the annular space between the pipes.
Working: Heat transfer occurs between the fluids through the wall of the inner pipe.
Applications: Small-scale industrial processes and laboratory setups.
Types of Heat Exchangers (Based on Flow Arrangement)
1. Parallel Flow Heat Exchangers:
Description: Both fluids enter the heat exchanger at the same end and move in parallel.
Efficiency: Suitable for moderate temperature differences.
Example: Some chemical reactors.
2. Counterflow Heat Exchangers:
Description: Fluids enter the heat exchanger from opposite ends and flow in opposite directions.
Efficiency: More efficient than parallel flow, achieving a larger temperature gradient.
Example: Steam condensers, economizers.
3. Crossflow Heat Exchangers:
Description: Fluids move perpendicular to each other.
Efficiency: Suitable for applications with limited space.
Example: Car radiators, air handling units.
Applications of Heat Exchangers
Power Generation: Steam generators, condensers, and feedwater heaters in thermal power plants.
HVAC Systems: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units for residential and commercial buildings.
Chemical Processing: Reactors, distillation columns, and evaporators in chemical plants.
Food and Beverage: Pasteurization, sterilization, and cooling processes.
Automotive: Radiators and oil coolers in vehicles.
Refrigeration: Evaporators and condensers in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.