Shell and Tube After Coolers
Shell and Tube After Coolers are heat exchangers designed to cool compressed air or gases after they have been compressed by a compressor. They consist of a bundle of tubes through which the hot compressed air flows, surrounded by a shell through which a cooling fluid (often water or air) circulates. The heat from the compressed air transfers to the cooling fluid, reducing the temperature of the compressed air before it enters downstream equipment or processes.
Specifications on Shell and Tube After Coolers
| DRAUGHT TYPE/ SHAPE | FLOW TYPE | MOC | CAPACITY (TR) | FILL TYPE | DRIVE TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forced / Rectangular | Counter Flow | Carbon Steel | 50 – 800 | Film Fills | Direct |
| Induced / Round | Cross Flow | Titanium | 10 – 400 | Splash Fills | Belt Drive |
| Forced / Square | Parallel Flow | Stainless Steel | 100 – 1200 | Honeycomb Fills | Gear Drive |
| Induced / Oval | Counter Flow | Aluminum | 30 – 600 | Cellular Fills | Direct |
| Forced / Triangular | Cross Flow | Copper | 15 – 300 | Splash Fills | Belt Drive |
Advantages
- Energy Efficiency: Reduces energy consumption by lowering the temperature of compressed air, improving overall system efficiency.
- Environmental Impact: Helps meet environmental regulations by reducing emissions associated with compressed air cooling.
- Longevity: Extends the lifespan of downstream equipment by delivering cooler and drier compressed air, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
- Process Optimization: Optimizes process efficiency and quality by providing consistent and controlled temperatures for compressed air or gases.
- Compact Design: Offers a compact and space-efficient solution for cooling compressed air compared to other cooling methods, saving valuable floor space in industrial settings.
Key Factors
- Material of Construction (MOC): Determines compatibility with compressed air or gases and cooling fluids, as well as resistance to corrosion.
- Design Pressure and Temperature: Specifies the maximum operating conditions the aftercooler can withstand safely.
- Surface Area and Tube Layout: Influences heat transfer efficiency and pressure drop across the aftercooler.
- Flow Rates: Balances cooling efficiency with energy consumption based on the required throughput of compressed air or gases.
- Cooling Media: Determines the type (water, air) and availability of the cooling media to achieve desired cooling effects.
- Maintenance Requirements: Regular cleaning and inspection to prevent fouling and ensure optimal performance.