Comparison of plate and shell and tube heat exchanger

A heat exchanger is a device used to transfer heat between two fluids (gas or liquid). Among the uses of these devices, we can refer to condenser and evaporator systems, swimming pool heating systems, oil, gas, and petrochemical industries, chemical industries, pharmaceutical industries, food industries, etc. In this article, the comparison of the plate heat exchanger and tube shell, which are two examples of the most common heat exchangers, has been discussed. In the following, we will learn more about the differences, how they work and the benefits of each, stay with us.

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Plate heat exchanger

These converters were first made in the early 20th century for the industrial pasteurization of milk, but today they are used in many industrial units due to their proper performance and high efficiency.
One of the most important components of plate heat exchangers is a large number of thin corrugated metal plates in a row. Between these plates, there are channels for the passage of fluids. After flowing inside the exchanger, hot and cold fluids pass through these channels, and without contact between the two fluids, due to these metal plates, heat exchange takes place between them.
These plates are mainly made of steel or stainless steel, but in some special applications such as marine industries, due to the sediments and high corrosiveness of seawater, different alloys such as titanium are used.
Plate heat exchangers are made in welded, semi-welded, soldered, and gasketed models.
Welded, semi-welded, and soldered models are suitable for high pressures and gasketed plate converters are suitable for medium and low pressures.
Brazed plate exchangers are usually used in buildings, heating, and air conditioning, and gasketed exchangers are mostly used in large industries. In gasketed plate converters, the plates are connected and sealed with screws and washers between the plates.
It should be noted that due to the formation of sediment and solutes in the narrow channels between the plates of plate heat exchangers, their use can only be confirmed after using a suitable hardener.

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Advantages of plate heat exchanger

Among the advantages of the plate heat exchanger, the following can be mentioned.

• Diversity in the design of plates and arrangement of grooves, sizes, and angles.
• The level of heat transfer can be easily achieved due to the possibility of changing the number of plates and their shape.
• Optimum heat transfer due to the tangled flow and small hydraulic diameter for both fluids.
• Heat loss is very small and does not require insulation.
• If the rubber gasket fails, the two fluids do not mix.
• Slim and smaller dimensions compared to shell and tube heat exchangers of the same capacity

Shell and tube heat exchanger

The shell and tube heat exchanger consists of a group of tubes in which the heating or cooling fluid flows inside, the second fluid flows inside the shell and on the tube group so that heat exchange takes place between the two fluids. . Shell and tube heat exchangers have a colorful presence in the oil and petrochemical industries. The significant efficiency of these exchangers compared to their purchase and maintenance costs has made this type of heat exchangers to be welcomed by many industrial units.
If we want to mention two examples of the applications of this type of converters, the use for crude oil distillation in the oil industry is a good example, as well as in the heating systems of swimming pools and hot tubs due to less pressure drop and sedimentation compared to other converters. Shell and tube thermals are used.

You can also read the article What is a heat exchanger? And what are its uses for more information.

Advantages of shell and tube heat exchanger

The advantages of the shell and tube heat exchanger can be mentioned below.

• Due to its strong structure, it can withstand the highest temperatures and fluid pressures.
• Maximizing the heat transfer level in a limited space by using a bunch of tubes with a short distance next to each other.
• Lower initial price (compared to all types of air-cooled, plate, etc. converters).
• Physical and chemical physical and long-term descaling capability.
• Ability to design and manufacture with special raw materials (such as steel) in special applications where fluids are corrosive.
• If there is a leak in the tubes, the location of the leak can be easily identified and repaired

Final speech

In this article, the investigation of the plate heat exchanger and shell and tube was discussed. To get more information and familiarize yourself with the types of thermal sofas, as well as to see their pictures and schematics, you can also read the article What is a heat exchanger in the blog of DamaTajhiz specialized collection.

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