Heat Exchangers

Equipment for the efficient transfer of heat between fluids, designed to suit each process.

Benefits

Functionality / Applications

Pasteurization.

Rapid heating or cooling.

Energy recovery.

Thermal control of reactors or kettles.

Types of heat exchangers

1. According to the contact between fluids

a) Direct

The fluids mix.
High thermal efficiency and compact design.
They are used only when the mixture does not cause problems.
Example: cooling towers.

b) Indirect

The fluids do not mix; they are separated by a metallic surface.
They prevent contamination and allow for greater control.
The most commonly used in the industry.

2. According to the direction of the flow

a) Parallel

Both fluids circulate in the same direction.
Lower efficiency.

b) Counterflow

They flow in opposite directions.
The most efficient:allows for a greater temperature difference.

c) Crossed

Perpendicular flows.
Useful when one of the fluids changes phase.
It can be “mixed” or “unmixed”.

d) Combined

A fluid flows in both parallel and countercurrent directions at the same time.
Increases heat transfer.

3. According to the number of steps

a) Simple step

A single heat exchanger.
It can be complemented with several units in series.

b) Multiple steps

Several stages of exchange within the same team.
They increase efficiency and reduce space, common in "U" tubes.

4. According to its structural design

a) Plates

Metal plates stacked to form channels.
High efficiency, compact and easy to clean.
Used in food, pharmaceuticals and air conditioning.

b) Casing and tubes

Tubes inside a cylindrical casing.
Resistant to high pressures and temperatures.
Common in chemistry, petrochemicals, and energy.

c) Air-cooled

They use ambient air for cooling.
They incorporate fins to increase surface area.
Used in automotive and industrial refrigeration.

d) Concentric tubes

One tube inside another.
Simple, economical and for small flow rates.