Double Pipe Heat Exchanger & Its Types

 

Heat exchangers are equipment that facilitates the transfer or exchange of heat between two fluids without mixing. These exchangers come in different varieties and types, and the basic one is a double-pipe heat exchanger with a flexible configuration.

Generally used for industrial HVAC equipment, a double-pipe heat exchanger is made up of two concentric pipes separated by a mechanical closure. The process of heat transfer in a double-pipe exchanger occurs inside the larger pipe. One fluid flows through the small pipe while the other one is between the two pipes, and this way, the inner pipe acts as a conductive barrier between fluids. The outside or shell side of the exchanger involves fluid transportation on the inner side or tube side.

Types of Double Pipe Heat Exchangers

Double pipe heat exchangers are categorized on the basis of fluid flow direction- Parallel Flow and Counter Flow. The flow directions are enabled through the position of inlets and outlets in the exchanger. Parallel flow and Counter flow double pipe heat exchangers significantly affect the heat transfer and pressure drop in the system. So, before choosing the one for your application, it is better to compare all the factors, ensuring perfect compatibility.

 

Counter Flow Double Pipe Heat Exchangers

Counter flow is regarded the best design for a double pipe heat exchanger as it offers the highest heat transfer coefficient and can cold or heat the outlets as required. In this particular heat exchanger, the flow direction of one working medium is opposite to the other working medium’s flow direction. It allows optimal operations with efficient heat transfers and maximum temperature changes between hydraulic fluids.

 

Parallel Flow Double Pipe Heat Exchangers

As the name indicates, in the Parallel flow type, the inlets and outlets are in one head. Each fluid flow with the drift in this double-pipe heat exchanger. In Parallel flow double tube heat exchangers, liquids inlet and outlet are in the same direction, which results in a less efficient heat exchange process. This heat exchanger type offers a lower heat transfer coefficient compared to the Counter flow design. Still, there are some applications that require parallel design for double-pipe heat exchangers.

 

Double Pipe Heat Exchanger by ABE & HEX

ABE & HEX offers double-pipe heat exchangers manufactured and designed using innovative technology, as per specific application requirements. We use heavy-duty ERW carbon steel pipe or rolled from carbon steel plate for durable finish standards, robust construction, and performance of exchangers. The tubes are made of special high-performance copper, Mild Steel (MS) and Stainless Steel (SS) both internally and externally grooved fins for a low fouling factor with high heat transfer capacity.