How a heat exchanger system can impact energy efficiency

Feb. 28, 2022
Learn why heat recovery isn’t always a simple endeavor.

The heat exchanger system can have a huge impact on the overall energy efficiency of an industrial process. Most heat exchangers handle one “hot stream” at a relatively high temperature and one “cold stream” at a lower temperature; the temperature of the hot stream falls, while that of the cold stream rises. Simple, right? Not always.

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers (STHEs), the main workhorses in the process industries, consist of shells (pressure vessels) with bundles of tubes inside. Relatively cheap and robust, STHEs can be fabricated from a variety of materials and are typically easy to clean and maintain. They also can be designed for a wide range of sizes, operating temperatures and pressures.

An STHE has two flow paths — the “tube side” (i.e., inside the tubes), and the “shell side” (i.e., inside the shell, but outside the tubes). Depending on various factors, such as flow rates, viscosities, and propensity to fouling, we can choose to route the cold stream through the shell side and the hot stream through the tube side, or vice versa. Below we assume the hot stream is on shell side.

To learn more, read "Energy Saver: Squeeze Out The Heat" from Chemical Processing.

Sponsored Recommendations

Effective Enclosure Heating

Aug. 22, 2024
Effective enclosure heating is essential for peak operational efficiency in outdoor and indoor contexts.

Busbar: The Next Evolutionary Step in Control Panel Design

Aug. 22, 2024
Learn how busbar power distribution can help control panel manufacturers unlock enhanced safety, lower costs, and a reduced automation footprint.

Reduce Contamination with the Right Enclosure for Your Food and Beverage Application

Aug. 22, 2024
Protecting electrical controls and equipment within food and beverage plants presents unique challenges due to the sanitation requirements of the hygienic environment.

Enclosure Climate Control: Achieving the Ideal Temperature

March 28, 2024
There are several factors to consider when optimizing the climate inside your electrical enclosure. Download this white paper to learn more.