How to Select Heat Exchanger
| Type | Best For | Key Advantage | Key Limitation |
| Shell and Tube | High pressure/temperature, large duties | Robustness & Versatility | Large size, less efficient |
| Plate (PHE) | Medium pressure/temperature, high efficiency | Compact & Highly Efficient | Clogging, pressure limit |
| Air Cooled (ACHE) | Water conservation, moderate cooling | No Water Required | High energy use, large space |
| Double-Pipe | Small scale, high pressure | Simple & Inexpensive | Low surface area |
| Spiral | Fouling fluids, slurries | Handles Solids & Sludges | Difficult to clean/repair |
| Plate Fin | Cryogenics, multiple streams | Extremely Compact | Very high cost, complex |