What does a Heat Exchanger do?
Simply put, Heat Exchangers salvage as much energy as possible from waste gases. As a result, the device with the heat exchanger is more efficient. Typically, this is done by exchanging the heat through flowing liquids.
To expand on this, a heat exchanger works through mutual heating and cooling of different liquids. The key, however, is that the liquids don’t have to mix with one another. According to “Explain The Stuff”, “The essential principle of a heat exchanger is that it transfers the heat without transferring the fluid that carries the heat.”
Check out the example provided:
Heat exchangers are used in several places you’d recognize like engines and power plants. They are also used inversely in places like an HVAC system to compartmentalize heat and remove it when it is not needed. Overall, heat exchangers are an important device that create more efficient systems of energy, distribute heat as needed and save money in the process.
Types of Heat Exchangers
However, there are several different types of heat exchangers:
- Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
- Plate Heat Exchanger
- Regenerative Heat Exchanger
- Adiabatic Wheel Heat Exchanger
You can also see a visual representation provided here:
Image Provided by “Piping Engineering“
So, what’s the difference between the various heat exchangers? Each has a different design because it may service a different industry, efficiency necessity, commercial space and more.
For instance, a “Shell and Tube” Heat Exchangers are large, very efficient and were also very common up until recently because of their price. Overall though, Shell and Tube exchangers are bulky difficult to maintain.
The common replacement for the Shell and Tube exchanger is the “Plate” Heat Exchanger. The replacement is due to the heat transfer ability of a Plate exchanger despite being a similar size to a Shell and Tube. Additionally, Plate heat exchangers are easy to take apart. This makes them easier to maintain and inspect. There is also the regenerator among other heat exchangers. A regenerator simply reuses the same channels to move liquids, both hot and cold, through at different times. The liquids exchange heat as they move through the used channels.
A major takeaway is that the various heat exchangers need different maintenance and understanding. It’s important that professionals handle repairs and replacements.
Heat Exchanger Checks at ServicePro
Now, there are ways for to do basic Heat Exchanger Checks if you can see a larger crack.
Lennox proves a video tutorial here:
While this process is achievable for a basic check, it’s best to leave testing to specialists. Fortunately, professionals at ServicePro have it covered. Regardless of the heat exchanger type, our professionals can handle the task. It’s important that each heat exchanger check is done according to that model.
Moreover, if you locate a large crack you should contact a specialist to make a repair. The same protocol should be adhered to if you think there is a minor crack somewhere. Signs of a crack might be leakage, malfunctioning equipment or decreased liquid flow.
Heat Exchanger Checks are important and equipment can be sensitive. Due to this, it is important to perform frequent tests and upkeep. ServicePro can assist in this process with our Preventative Management Agreements (PM Agreements). PM Agreements are a way for our clients and technicians to develop a consistent rapport and schedule for repairs, replacements and inspections.The PM Agreement is an agreement that makes ServicePro and its client aware of the time passed since the last inspection or repair. The PM agreement provides an estimate on when an appliance or equipment might need to be tested again.
Contact Us Today
For more information on services, PM Agreements, Heat Exchanger Checks and more call our 24/7 service line. The hotline covers anything from routine maintenance to emergency situations, and guarantees a ServicePro crew will be on-site within 90 minutes of the call.
Lastly, ServicePro professionals are well-versed on the regulatory measures and laws for their respective divisions. Additionally, necessary documentation and paperwork is provided after the job is finished. The paperwork will be respective to the job completed and show proof of repair or service for any regulatory inspection.
So, give us a call today at 248-912-9974 our visit our website and fill our a request form, and our technicians can get to work solving whatever problem you might have.
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