How it works

The technical principle of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger is primarily based on inter-wall heat exchange. In this process, one fluid flows through the interior of the tube bundle, while another fluid flows in the shell outside the bundle, exchanging heat through the tube walls. Specifically, the working principle of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger includes the following aspects:
1. Heat transfer surface: The tube walls serve as the heat transfer surface, with the two working fluids flowing inside and outside the tubes, respectively, exchanging heat through the tube walls.
2. Fluid flow: The tube-side fluid flows within the tubes, while the shell-side fluid flows outside. To improve the heat transfer efficiency of the tube-side fluids, some designs utilize spiral or corrugated tubes. These specially shaped tubes increase fluid turbulence, thereby improving the heat transfer coefficient.
3. Temperature control: By adjusting the flow rate of the heat source entering the heat exchanger, the temperature of the heated medium can be controlled. For example, a regulating valve is placed before the heat source inlet; varying the valve opening adjusts the outlet temperature.