Coil-in-shell heat exchangers, sometimes also referred to as serpentine, have been around for quite some time and have a storied history of helping to transfer heat energy in a vast array of process applications. Despite their relative simplicity, there remain a number of considerations that must be taken into account when selecting one of these versatile heat exchangers for a given application.
A coil-in-shell heat exchanger consists of a series of metal tubes with heat transfer surfaces, where both the tube side and shell side (a larger, outer tube) act as the heat transfer mediums. The metal tubes can be round, oval, or flat in shape. The metal tubes within the outer shell are oriented in such a way that allows for a uniform distribution of the two fluids across the entire surface. This design also ensures that a good level of heat transfer contact between the two surfaces is maintained.
The major benefit of a coil-in-shell heat exchanger lies in its overall efficiency when it comes to heat transfer. This type of heat exchanger has a good thermal conductivity, leading to a good heat transfer rate between the shell and tube sides. When designing these heat exchangers, it’s important to ensure that the overall design allows for maximum distribution of the two fluids across the entire surface area. This ensures that the greatest possible heat transfer rate can be achieved.
When selecting a coil-in-shell heat exchanger, it’s important to consider the operating temperature of the fluids within the system. Different types of materials may be required depending on the temperature of the fluid. Material choices for the metal tubes may include copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, or brass. Depending on the application, additional materials such as aluminum may also be suitable.
The size of a coil-in-shell heat exchanger must also be taken into consideration. Larger heat exchangers are capable of holding larger volumes of fluid and are generally more efficient, as there is more surface area for heat transfer. However, in some applications, a large heat exchanger is not suitable. In these cases, smaller coil-in-shell heat exchangers could be considered.
Overall, coil-in-shell heat exchangers are an efficient and reliable solution for a variety of process applications. With their simple design, they are capable of effectively transferring heat between two surfaces with minimal energy consumption. As with any heat exchanger, it is important to consider the temperature of the operating fluids and select suitable materials for the heat transfer surfaces. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the overall size of the heat exchanger is appropriate for the application. With these considerations in mind, coil-in-shell heat exchangers can be a great choice for a variety of purposes.
