Types of heat exchangers according to transfer process

A heat exchanger is a device built to either heat or cool off elements by transferring heat from one medium to another, ideally liquid or gas.

They are used across a variety of industries in numerous ways. In this article, know about the types of heat exchangers according to their transfer process.

Classification of heat exchangers according to transfer process

They are classified into direct contact type heat exchangers and indirect contact type heat exchangers in terms of their transfer process.

DIRECT CONTACT TYPE HEAT EXCHANGERS

These function with two fluids coming together, in a direct contact exchanging heat and then separating away.

These types of devices facilitate high heat transfer as there is direct contact between the fluids. They are easy to install and are cost-effective too. Unlike Indirect contact type heat exchangers, these devices have no separating wall, usually known as a metal separator, thereby avoiding any foul behaviour.

Typically, these ewuipments are benign when the hot and cold fluids are of the same fluid medium are at varying temperatures.

Direct contact type heat exchangers are further classified into:

1. Immiscible fluid: The energy is transferred through straight contact of two immiscible fluids i.e. two non-mixing liquids together.
2. Gas - Liquid: These machines have one fluid media that is a gas while the other fluid being liquid, usually water.
3. Liquid Vapour: Heat transfer in them takes place by condensing a steam, entirely or partly by using water or by heating water through steam; both are carried out by direct contact.

INDIRECT CONTACT TYPE HEAT EXCHANGERS

They are also known as surface heat exchangers.

Two fluids, hot and cold, are kept physically separated from each other, with a metal wall, to avoid contamination of both. The heat, however, is transferred in an ephemeral way.

They are divided into the following types:

1. Direct transfer type: Unceasingly warmth is transported from hot to the cold fluid through a partition, with the two fluids flowing through separate channels.
2. Storage type: Two fluids flow alternatively in the same passage due to which the heat transfer is irregular.
3. Fluidized bed: They are two-fluid exchangers with a side immersed in a bed of finely distributed solid material.

To know more about their types visit http://www.rfpindia.com/

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