Air-cooled heat exchangers also known as fin fan heat exchangers are typically used in applications where water is not available or the desired pre deg Cess outlet temperature can be achieved given the maximum ambient temperatures. Ambient air is used as the cooling media to cool hot fluids flowing through finned tubes. Air-cooled equipment can be a simpler solution than that cooled by water because there is no need for pumping the coolant with the piping that accompanies.
Air-cooled heat exchangers are used in a wide variety of applications. They can be used as prdeg Cess fluid coolers, lube oil coolers, water and glycol coolers, inter/aftercoolers on compressors, jacket water cooler, closed loop cooling systems, and condensers.
Air-cooled heat exchangers consist of the following components:
One or more finned tube bundles of heat transfer surface
Except in natural draft applications, an axial flow fan and drive system
A plenum between the bundle or bundles and the axial flow fan
If grade mounted, a support structure high enough to allow air to enter beneath the air-cooled heat exchanger at a reasonable rate
Optional header and fan maintenance walkways with ladders to grade
Optional louvers for pre deg Cess outlet temperature control
Optional recirculation ducts and chambers for protection against freezing or solidification of high pour point fluids in cold weather Hail guards