Heat Exchanger FAQs and Answers

Many people who purchase heat exchangers and other such appliances often complaint that they have not gotten the thing they were looking for or that the seller has not given them the item he had initially described. While it is true that the seller may trick customers, it is also widely known that many customers only have themselves to blame for the deceit. This is because they do not conduct enough research before they go out to purchase the product and hope to believe everything that the seller tells them about it. Since it is very important to conduct proper research, a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about the heat exchanger have been listed and answered.

What is it?

In the easiest possible words, heat exchangers are things that transfer heat from one appliance to another, or from one medium to another. For example, heat exchangers installed in a swimming pool will use hot water stored up in a boiler to heat up the water in the pool or a Jacuzzi. Also, hydraulic coolers will use cold water or air to make sure that the heat of oil used to run the machine is cooled down as well. The actual exchange of energy happens through the conductors that are separating the two opposing forces. Conductors may take the form of tubes or pipes through which fluids run.

What are the types?

Many people also want to know the man types of heat exchangers available in the markets today. To begin with, there is the shell and tube heat exchanger. Many small sized tubes are contained inside a shell in the shape of a cylinder. A tube stack is used to make sure that the tubes are properly positioned inside the shell.In many cases, the tube stack lets the tube bundle grown larger or smaller in accordance with the amount and temperature of the fluids within.

Moving on, plate heat exchangers are probably the most common form of heat exchangers used today. They are quite similar to the typical shell and tube exchanger but instead of tubes, it uses a stack or collection of plates. They may be gasketed if the fluids and the setup inside the exchanger allows the change. They are mostly built with stainless steel and are perfect for refrigerators.

Lastly, there are the air cooled heat exchangers that are widely used in cars and other such vehicles to keep the engines cool and functional. They are mostly placed in areas where there is no source of cool water available at all times. They may sometimes bring together water, air and charge air coolers into a single entity to make sure that lesser space is consumed for the same effectiveness. Cool air comes from a fan or the sir coming into the cooler when the vehicle moves.

Which fluids are needed?

Not all liquids are able to work within a heat exchanger and one will have to select the fluids appropriately. To begin with, one will have to consider where the specific exchanger is being used and the different appliances used in the exchanger itself. Material used to construct the exchanger will also matter a lot. The most common types of fluids include simple water, sea water and even oil (especially in air cooled exchangers) but other fluids which are more corrosive may also be used. These include chorine induced water and other acids. They may work better temporarily but will, undoubtedly, damage the exchanger.

How to increase the life?

Since many heat exchangers, specifically those bought for bigger equipment and appliances, are so expensive; many people wish to know how they can care for the exchanger to extend its life. The only way to do this is through regular checks, maintenance and repairs so that no damage comes to the exchanger and danger is discovered before it occurs.