HEAT EXCHANGER
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The heat exchanger answers provided below are strictly for guidance and should not be considered as definitive technical advice. To ensure correct and safe application, it is essential to contact our technical office, where qualified professionals will advise you based on your specific needs. BOIXAC assumes no responsibility for any misuse or misinterpretation of the information provided here. Always prioritize safety and rely on specialists for any tasks related to our products.
What is a heat exchanger?
A heat exchanger is a device whose function is to transfer thermal energy from one element to another, cooling and heating. These elements can be gases, liquids or solids and, depending on their characteristics, with the aim of optimizing efficiency in the heat transfer process, the construction of the heat exchangers can vary.
What is a heat exchanger for?
A heat exchanger facilitates the transfer of thermal energy, cooling and heating different elements among which we can find fluids, gases and solids. This function is especially useful in industrial processes such as drying, pasteurization, evaporation, refrigeration or distillation. Likewise, it also serves to recover residual energy, control ambient temperature and cool engines.
What industries use heat exchangers?
The thermal treatment of heat exchangers is essential for many of the processes in the energy, food, chemical, sugar, glass, automotive, paper, pharmaceutical, materials drying, textile, oil, gas, metallurgy, data centers and electronics industries. We also find heat exchangers in other areas such as agri-food and tertiary.
How does a heat exchanger work?
A heat exchanger is characterized by having two sections, in each of which an element circulates that can be fluid, gas or solid. These sections are separated by the thickness of a tube or plate through which heat is transferred from one side to the other without the flows mixing.
For thermal energy to be transferred there must be a certain temperature differential between the flows and the selected materials must be conductive. This is why heat exchangers are often made of copper, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium or cupro-nickel, both to maximize the heat exchange coefficient and also to adapt to the different particularities that each element may have.
The selection of heat exchanger construction is directly related to the working conditions.
What types of heat exchangers are there?
Heat exchangers can be manufactured following very different constructions, among which we highlight:
1. Tube exchangers.
- Heat exchanger with smooth tubes, without fins.
- Heat exchanger with tubes and continuous fins.
- Heat exchanger with tubes and helicoidal or spiral fins.
2. Plate exchangers.
- Pillow plate heat exchangers.
- Cross flow plate heat exchangers.
- Removable plate heat exchangers.
- Welded plate heat exchangers.
3. Multitubular exchangers.
- Double tube heat exchangers or concentric tubes heat exchangers.
- Tube and shell heat exchangers.
What is the efficiency of a heat recovery unit?
A heat exchanger is a passive device, meaning that it does not generate heat or cold by itself. The same design can offer different levels of efficiency depending on the conditions with which we make it work. Among the working conditions we find concepts such as the typology of fluids, flow rates, temperatures, absolute humidity or fouling factors.
Once the user has defined the objective, for example, reaching a certain power or a certain temperature at the fluid outlet, the technical office has the objective of finding the construction that optimizes the efficiency of the heat exchanger.
Where can we buy a heat recovery unit?
Since each facility has its own singularities, in order to optimize the efficiency of each installation, heat exchangers must be custom designed and manufactured. This is why we recommend contacting a specialist who will guide you in the selection and acquisition of these devices. We encourage you to visit our website and contact us, our technical office highly specialized in heat exchangers will guide you.
How can I choose the right equipment?
To choose the right heat exchanger, it is essential to consider several factors, including the inlet and outlet temperatures of the fluids, the flow rates of the fluids involved, the type of fluids and their characteristics (viscosity, corrosiveness, fouling, etc.), access, space, and installation constraints, as well as maintenance and durability requirements, among others. Its complexity requires contacting a specialist like the experts at BOIXAC to guide you and ensure the design is properly tailored to your needs.
What maintenance does a heat exchanger require?
Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure optimal performance. The most common steps are: periodic cleaning to remove fouling and deposits that reduce efficiency, inspections of gaskets and components to detect possible wear or damage, especially in critical parts, replacement of worn parts to avoid operational failures, and pressure tests to ensure there are no leaks or structural weakening. The maintenance frequency will depend on the process conditions and usage.
What is fouling, and how does it affect performance?
Fouling refers to solid deposits that accumulate on the surfaces of the heat exchanger due to sediments, minerals, or other particles present in the fluids. This phenomenon can reduce heat transfer, increase energy consumption, and/or cause premature wear of the system. Prevention through filters and regular cleaning is essential to minimize these effects.
How can I detect and prevent leaks in a heat exchanger?
Leaks can be caused by worn gaskets, corrosion, or mechanical damage. To prevent them, it is advisable to perform regular visual inspections, implement pressure or temperature sensors to detect anomalies, and use corrosion-resistant materials in systems handling aggressive fluids. If in doubt, always contact our technical team.
What are the signs of heat exchanger malfunction?
The most common indicators of malfunction are: a drop in thermal efficiency (fluids not reaching the desired temperature), increased pressure loss, visible fluid leaks, strange noises, or vibrations during operation. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
Can a heat exchanger be customized?
Yes! We offer customization options to meet specific needs, such as special materials, unique dimensions, or configurations for unusual fluids. A tailor-made heat exchanger ensures the best results under specific conditions. At BOIXAC, we specialize in this.
How can I extend the lifespan of my heat exchanger?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, our recommendations include performing regular inspections and maintenance, avoiding exceeding the indicated pressure and temperature limits, using fluids appropriate to the exchanger’s design, and establishing protocols to prevent corrosion and fouling.
How to get technical advice?
Contact our highly experienced team at [email protected].