Heat Exchangers
Heat Dissipation
The primary purpose of the air-cooled heat exchanger is to dissipate heat from a process fluid to the surrounding air. The heat transfer occurs through the walls of the finned tubes, where the process fluid flows.
Finned Tubes
The tubes in the heat exchanger are equipped with fins to increase their surface area. This extended area enhances the heat exchange process, making it more effective at transferring heat from the process fluid to the air.
Forced Draft Configuration
In this setup, mechanical fans are positioned at the air inlet side of the heat exchanger. These fans are draw ambient into the system and push it over the finned tubes, initiating the heat transfer process.
Airflow Direction
The forced draft directs air perpendicularly over the finned tubes, maximizing their contact with moving air. This ensures efficient heat transfer and enhances the overall performance of the heat exchanger.
Enhanced Heat Transfer
The forced airflow reduces the boundary layer of stagnant air near the tube surfaces, which otherwise acts as an insulating barrier, limiting the heat transfer rate. The forced air movement disrupts this layer, allowing fresh air to continuously come into contact with the tubes’ surfaces.
Ambient Air
The ambient air acts as the cooling medium in this setup. The heat absorbed by the air raises its temperature as it passes over the finned tubes. The heated air is then expelled into the environment.
Automatic Fan Control
To optimize the cooling process, the fans are equipped with individual controls and temperature indicators. This system allows for automatic adjustment of fan operation, ensuring that the number of active fans matches the cooling demand.
