Heat Exchanger (HE) is a device that allows heat transfer and this tool can also function as a heater or as a cooler. Superhot steam and water become the medium used in this tool; superheated steam functions as a heater and water as a cooler. This tool is designed so that heat transfer between fluids takes place efficiently and effectively.
The inter-fluid heat exchange method is very widely used in various industries such as petrochemical plants, oil refineries, natural-gas industries, steam power plants, etc. The essence of the performance of this tool is to move heat without the mass of objects. The performance of this tool can be seen in the car radiator. Where the coolant transfers heat to the surrounding air without having to be accompanied by the movement of objects.
Heat transfer occurs from high temperatures to lower temperatures. Heat exchangers maximize this natural process so that it is useful for various industries. This tool transfers heat directly and indirectly. Directly, the liquid mixes in one vessel without any separators such as ejectors and deaerators. Whereas indirectly, the heat transfer process requires an intermediate medium such as a plate or pipe. In this process, hot fluids are not directly related to cold fluids for example in economizer and condensers (often used by steam power plants).
The quality of heat transfer in the Heat Exchanger depends on several factors. Such as fluid properties, temperature differences between two fluids, fluid flow direction, surface conditions, and cross-sectional area of the heat transfer field. Now, to get maximum results, we must understand some of these things, do not let the Heat Exchanger contain deposits of substances on the surface of the pipe that will corrode.
Heat Exchanger is very useful in the petroleum industry. Both for severe conditions and for more general industrial processes such as in steam power plants. If you are an oil and chemical industry player, maybe you often use Shell and Tube heat exchangers. This type of tool consists of a cylindrical shell or tube. Where there is one bundle of pipes with a relatively small diameter. In this type, each pipe has its own shell. In addition, in some special needs, the outer pipe on the Heat Exchanger can be provided with fins. This type of heat exchanger also has a coil-shaped pipe soaked in a “box” containing cold running water to cool the hot liquid flowing in the pipe. Actually, there is still a lot of important knowledge about Heat Exchanger that is useful for the continuity of your industry.
The existence of Heat Exchanger is very useful for the continuity of various important industries that are beneficial for the welfare of society. The oil industry will not run if there is no Heat exchanger, as well as a steam power plant. Therefore, basic knowledge of the working principle of a heat exchanger is very necessary. So that the heat transfer produced can be more optimal.