What is a Heat Exchanger and How Does it Function?
An air-cooled heat exchanger is a heat exchange equipment which utilizes ambient air to cool the process fluid without using water-based cooling systems. The fundamental functioning idea of an air cooled heat exchanger is rather simple. Hot fluid travels through tubes which are fitted with fins to improve the heat transfer surface area. Fans located below or above the tube bundle blow ambient air over the fins, therefore extracting heat from the fluid. As a consequence, the process fluid is cooled down, and the hot air is discharged into the atmosphere. There are various benefits to the lack of water as a cooling medium. Additionally, industries located in dry regions or regions with few water resources may achieve effective cooling without water-intensive cooling towers. This minimizes water use and lowers operational costs related to water treatment and disposal. Benefits & Industrial Applications of Air Cooled Heat Exchangers The air-cooled heat exchanger has become a popular c...