How to circulate hot air?

    Shell and tube heat exchanger is a very common and widely used heat exchange equipment, which separates two fluids of different temperatures by one or more tube bundles, so that they can exchange heat without direct contact. Here are some basic concepts and features about shell and tube heat exchanger:

1. Structure

* Shell: The outer shell part, which contains the tube bundle. One or both ends of the shell may be provided with a removable head to facilitate cleaning and inspection of the internal tube bundle.

* Tube bundle: It consists of many small-diameter tubes arranged in parallel, which are fixed on the tube sheet. One fluid passes through the inside of the tube, while another fluid flows outside the tube (i.e., inside the shell).

* Head: Located at both ends of the shell, it is used to seal and guide the fluid into or out of the tube bundle.

* Baffle: Set in the shell to change the flow direction of the shell-side fluid, increase the turbulence of the fluid, and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

2. Working Principle In a shell and tube heat exchanger, one fluid (called the tube-side fluid) flows through the tubes, while another fluid (called the shell-side fluid) flows outside the tubes, and the two fluids exchange heat through the tube walls. The design of the baffles can force the shell-side fluid to pass through the tube bundle multiple times, increasing its path length and turbulence, thereby enhancing the heat transfer effect.

3. Applications Shell and tube heat exchangers are widely used in many industries such as chemical, petroleum processing, food processing, and pharmaceuticals due to their simple structure, strong adaptability, and easy manufacturing and maintenance. They can be used in a variety of processes such as heating, cooling, condensation, and evaporation.

4. Design Considerations When designing a shell and tube heat exchanger, factors that need to be considered include the physical and chemical properties of the fluid (such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, corrosiveness, etc.), operating conditions (temperature, pressure), material selection, economy, and safety. In addition, in order to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption, designers will also consider how to optimize the fluid flow pattern and the shape of the heat transfer surface.

5. Maintenance Regular maintenance is essential to maintain the good performance of the shell and tube heat exchanger. This includes cleaning the tube bundle to remove deposits, checking for leaks, and replacing damaged parts.

    The design and application of shell and tube heat exchangers is a complex process involving multidisciplinary knowledge and technology. The correct selection and use of shell and tube heat exchangers can significantly improve the energy efficiency of industrial production processes.