Understand spiral heat exchangers
Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are standard in most chemical process industries (CPI) applications. However, they do have limitations related to thermal efficiency, mechanical design, and maintenance requirements that will not allow the standard straight-tube fixed-tubesheet shell-and-tube (S and T) heat exchanger to work properly in certain applications. It is in these problem areas that spiral heat exchangers (SHEs) have been used successfully worldwide for over 60 years. The SHE can be a viable alternative to the complex and often expensive shell-and-tube heat exchanger. The SHEs' unique spiral countercurrent monochannel design gives them exceptionally high heat-transfer rates and low fouling tendencies. The mechanical configuration of the SHE also allows full access to all heat-transfer surfaces for simplified inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. This article describes how SHEs operate, discusses their advantages in terms of thermal efficiency, fouling, mechanical design, and maintenance characteristics, and provides guidance on choosing between spiral and tubular exchangers.
- OSTI ID:
- 7287616
- Journal Information:
- Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States), Journal Name: Chemical Engineering Progress; (United States) Vol. 90:5; ISSN 0360-7275; ISSN CEPRA8
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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