Heat Exchangers Key Terms

Some key terms for studying the possibilities of heat exchangers in a business project
By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN Today's heat exchangers represent a shift in heating technology from simpler setups of past eras. Heat exchangers work according to advanced physics to radiate heat in specific, efficient ways. A heat exchanger may be set up in a number of ways, but all of them serve to direct temperature into specific locations for using the thermal energy, however it is generated, to its fullest potential. Businesses use heat exchangers in any number of industrial roles. Knowing about some of the common terminology will help business leaders who are shopping, buying or brainstorming use within a specific context.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of energy conversion between different forms. Engineers and others use this science to determine how well heat exchangers work and to strive to make heat exchanger models more effective.
Try:  See more on thermodynamics at PhysLink. For more on thermodynamics of heat exchangers, check out this page from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Mathematics.

Heat transfer coefficient

The heat transfer coefficient is a measure that engineers use for the effectiveness of a heat exchanger.
Try:  See more on the heat transfer coefficient at the Engineering Toolbox online.

Plate heat exchangers

Plate heat exchangers are a specific type of heat exchanger that are built for a specific kind of heat transfer and efficiency. Plate heat exchangers are a good industrial solution for many kinds of temperature control projects.
Try:  See a detailed breakdown of how plate heat exchangers are generally put together, along with great visual diagrams and charts, and a lot of scientific data at CheResources.

Ceramic heat exchangers

Ceramic heat exchangers are models that take advantage of the conductive qualities of ceramic material to provide a heating unit. Ceramic heating is popular with small residential space heaters, but can be used in industrial capacities as well.
Try:  Take a look at specs and details on ceramic heat exchanger units at HeatXChange.

Shell and tube heat exchangers

The shell and tube heat exchanger generally consists of an outer shell filled with smaller tubes. A fluid runs through the tubes and another runs outside of the tubes through the shell. These two fluids at different temperatures facilitate an exchange.
Try:  Check out more on shell and tube heat exchangers at Catalytic Products.

Biofouling

When a business uses natural water or another similar element in its heat exchanger apparatus, there is the possibility of biofouling. Biofouling happens when natural debris or organic elements get into a heating or cooling system and jam elements of its operation.
Try:  Find out more about biofouling at this page from ProQuest.