Air Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHEs) come in different types based on their design, airflow mechanism, and tube arrangement. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:
1. Based on Airflow Mechanism
A. Forced Draft ACHE
- Fan Location: Below the tube bundle.
- Airflow: Fan pushes air across the tubes.
- Advantages:
- Better fan maintenance access (at ground level).
- Less exposure of tubes to hot exiting air (longer life).
- Disadvantages:
- Less uniform air distribution.
- Higher power consumption in high-temperature applications.
- Common Use: Low to medium heat loads.
B. Induced Draft ACHE
- Fan Location: Above the tube bundle.
- Airflow: Fan pulls air through the tubes.
- Advantages:
- More uniform airflow & better heat transfer efficiency.
- Reduced hot air recirculation.
- Disadvantages:
- Fan motor exposed to hot air (higher wear).
- Harder to access for maintenance.
Common Use: High-tempera
| Air Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHEs) come in different types based on their design, airflow mechanism, and tube arrangement. Here’s a breakdown of the main types: 1. Based on Airflow Mechanism A. Forced Draft ACHE Fan Location: Below the tube bundle.Airflow: Fan pushes air across the tubes.Advantages:Better fan maintenance access (at ground level).Less exposure of tubes to hot exiting air (longer life).Disadvantages:Less uniform air distribution.Higher power consumption in high-temperature applications.Common Use: Low to medium heat loads. B. Induced Draft ACHE Fan Location: Above the tube bundle.Airflow: Fan pulls air through the tubes.Advantages:More uniform airflow & better heat transfer efficiency.Reduced hot air recirculation.Disadvantages:Fan motor exposed to hot air (higher wear).Harder to access for maintenance.Common Use: High-temperature processes (e.g., refineries, power plants). 2. Based on Tube Bundle Orientation A. Horizontal ACHE Tubes are arranged horizontally (most common).Best for: General process cooling in oil & gas, petrochemicals. B. Vertical ACHE Tubes are arranged vertically (saves space).Best for: Compact installations (e.g., rooftop HVAC systems). C. V-Type (A-Frame) ACHE Tubes arranged in a V-shape (higher surface area in limited space).Best for: Power plant condensers & large-scale cooling. 3. Based on Fin Type A. Embedded Fins Fins are tightly wound or embedded into tubes.Best for: High-pressure applications. B. Extruded Fins Fins are welded or extruded from the tube material.Best for: Corrosive or high-temperature fluids. C. Plate Fins Flat metal plates attached to tubes.Best for: Low-pressure gas cooling. 4. Specialized Types A. Dry Cooling (Direct ACHE) Process fluid is cooled directly by air (no intermediate loop).Used in: Power plants (steam condensation). B. Hybrid (Wet & Air Cooled) Combines air cooling + water spray for extreme heat loads.Used in: Hot climates where pure air cooling is insufficient. C. Natural Draft ACHE Uses chimney effect (no fans, relies on hot air rising).Used in: Large-scale, low-maintenance applications (rare). Comparison Table Type Airflow Method Best For Pros Cons Forced Draft Fan pushes air Low/medium heat Easy fan access Less efficient airflow Induced Draft Fan pulls air High heat Better efficiency Fan exposed to heat Horizontal Flat layout General use Simple design Needs more space V-Type Angled tubes Power plants Compact, high capacity Complex structure Hybrid Air + water spray Extreme heat Better cooling Higher cost |