Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Working Principle of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

The working of a shell and tube heat exchanger is fairly simple. One fluid flows inside the tubes and the other through the shell. While flowing they exchange the heats which means the cold fluid gains the heat from the hot fluid. So one cold fluid enters the shell (or tube side or channel side) inlet nozzle and comes out of the outlet nozzle as hot fluid. Obviously, the other fluid will become cold in the outlet than in the inlet. The heat transfer in a shell and tube heat exchanger is determined by the exposed surface area that is decided by the number of thermally conductive metal tubes. The fluid flow inside the shell and tube heat exchanger can be parallel flow or crossflow.

Why are Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers Used?

·   Removal of process heat and feed water preheating.

·   Cooling of hydraulic and lube oil.

·   Cooling of turbine, compressor, and engine.

·   Condensing process vapor or steam.

·   Evaporating process liquid or steam.