Putkilämmönvaihtimen

Putkilämmönvaihdin is a Finnish term referring to a shell and tube heat exchanger. This common type of heat exchanger consists of a shell (a large vessel) with a bundle of tubes inside it. One fluid runs through the tubes, and another fluid flows over the tubes (through the shell) to transfer heat between the two fluids. The heat is transferred from the hotter fluid to the colder fluid across the wall of the tubes.

Shell and tube heat exchangers are widely used in various industrial applications, including chemical processing, oil refining, power generation, and HVAC systems. Their design allows for efficient heat transfer in a compact space and they are robust enough to handle high pressures and temperatures. The specific configuration of the tubes, shell, and baffles can be adjusted to optimize performance for different applications. Factors such as the number of tubes, their diameter and length, the shell diameter, and the presence and design of baffles all influence the heat transfer rate and pressure drop of the fluids.

Maintenance of putkilämmönvaihtimet typically involves periodic cleaning to remove fouling or scaling, which can reduce efficiency. Regular inspections are also important to detect any signs of corrosion or leakage. The materials used in their construction are chosen based on the properties of the fluids being handled and the operating conditions, with common materials including stainless steel, copper alloys, and carbon steel.