Introduction
The disc exchanger is a type of heat exchanger where the two different fluids are separated by the use of flat separated discs. This exchanger works by alternating the direction of the two fluids as they both pass through the series of discs. In each pass, the opposite discs are heated by the fluid as it passes through, providing a greater efficiency than other exchanger designs. As such, the disc exchanger has become a popular choice for many industrial applications, such as the cooling of industrial processes, the heating of steam and fluids, and the condensation of refrigerants.
Design
The basic design of a disc exchanger consists of two separate, yet parallel, channels, with each channel divided into separate sections for each individual disc. Depending on the type of material used, the discs can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. For example, aluminum discs are often used for cooling processes, such as the cooling of large industrial motors, while titanium discs are used for more corrosive fluids, such as those found in nuclear applications.
The two fluid channels are separated by two opposed walls, so that two different fluids sit adjacent to each disc. The two fluids enter the exchangers on the same level and then pass through the discs in opposite directions. As the fluids pass through the series of discs, they are heated and cooled by the counter-current flow of fluid passing on the other side.
Operation
The operation of the disc exchanger relies on two principles, the counter-flow principle and the cross-flow principle. The counter-flow principle is what gives the exchanger its efficiency, as it works to ensure that heat exchange transpires between the two fluids in opposite directions. The cross-flow principle helps to reduce the overall pressure drop within the exchanger, allowing for more efficient flow of both fluids. The combination of these principles allows for a highly efficient exchanger, which has become the standard in many industrial applications.
Applications
Due to the high heat transfer rates and efficient heat exchange capability, the disc exchanger has become a popular option for many industrial applications. For example, the exchanger is widely used in cooling and heating processes, as well as to combine multiple fluids in a single exchanger. In addition, the exchanger can also be used to condense refrigerants, as well as to convert energy between thermal, mechanical, and electrical energy.
Conclusion
Overall, the disc exchanger is a highly efficient heat exchanger, which is ideal for many industrial applications. It offers a great amount of flexibility and efficiency, which makes it a popular choice for many different processes. Whether it is used to combine two different fluids, cool and heat industrial processes, or to condense refrigerants, the disc exchanger has proven to be an effective and reliable heat exchanger.
