Why are heat exchangers used in industry

Let’s start simple: what is a heat exchanger? Essentially, it is a device (or system) that transfers heat from one source to another. Primarily used in industry, heat exchangers are generally used for heating or cooling elements – depending on your requirements. Having said this, the use of heat exchangers in industry is dedicated to cooling, to ensure that vital pieces of equipment or volatile substances do not overheat. 

How do heat exchangers work?

So, how do heat exchangers work in these circumstances? Heat is transferred via conduction, through the exchanger materials (these can differ based on the different types of heat exchangers being used), where it is then separated. For example, with a shell and tube heat exchanger, two types of fluids flow throughout the tubes to complete the process – one within the tube and one within the outer shell. On the other hand, fin, or fan heat exchangers are made up of thin, flat, metal fins. Here, hot and cold fluid streams run through alternating fins and are enclosed by side bars on the edge of the exchanger.

Heat exchanger applications

Wondering what sort of things heat exchangers in industry are used for? We’ve listed a selection of heat exchanger applications below:

• Replace faulty non-industrial exchangers. If your existing heat exchanger goes bust, don’t worry. Industrial heat exchanger hire from Aggreko can help to prevent any damages or costs as a result of an exchanger failure. 
• Reach increased market demand. If you work in the manufacturing sector, factors like weather can impact demand. So if warmer weather means more business opportunities, a heat exchanger can assist in safely expanding your operations to account for extra demand.
• Achieve specific temperature conditions. If your company relies on specific environmental conditions for production, a heat exchanger can cool or heat up any rooms that you require.
• Optimise existing processes. If your plant is old, it can massively hinder productivity targets. Add supplementary heat exchangers so you can maximise production and prevent unit rate reductions.

Enquire about heat exchanger hire from Aggreko today

Now you’re no longer asking, ‘why are heat exchangers used in industry?’ it’s time to discover how they can assist your business. Interested? If you have any more questions, find out all the answers you need by enquiring today and speaking to a member of our expert team. Find out more about our heat exchanger hire range or learn more about the other cooling equipment we offer.