Putkilämpöväxla

A putkilämpöväxla, which translates to tubular heat exchanger, is a type of heat transfer equipment. It is designed to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy between two or more fluids at different temperatures. These fluids are separated by solid walls, typically made of metal tubes. The fundamental principle of operation involves allowing a hot fluid to flow through a series of tubes, while a cooler fluid flows around these tubes, or vice versa. This proximity and separation allow heat to move from the hotter fluid to the colder fluid through conduction and convection across the tube walls.

The design of a putkilämpöväxla can vary significantly to suit specific applications. Common configurations include shell-and-tube exchangers, where one fluid flows inside a bundle of tubes and the other flows in a shell surrounding the tubes. Other types might involve multiple passes for one or both fluids to increase the efficiency of heat transfer by extending the contact time or creating more turbulent flow. The choice of materials for the tubes and shell is crucial and depends on factors such as the corrosiveness of the fluids, operating pressures, and temperatures. Putkilämpöväxla are widely used in industrial processes, including power generation, chemical processing, HVAC systems, and refrigeration.