Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger

Double-Pipe Heat Exchangers are compact and simple heat transfer devices composed of two concentric tubes. They are known for their low cost, simple construction, and ease of maintenance. Each tube set has a limited heat transfer area, so multiple units must be arranged in series or parallel to meet higher capacity demands, which increases space usage and installation complexity.

These exchangers are typically used when the required heat transfer area is less than 20 m². While they are easy to clean and maintain, especially for fluids prone to scaling or crystallization, they are also prone to leakage due to thermal expansion when used in long configurations.

Key Features:

Simple structure: Easy to manufacture, install, and disassemble.
Modular flexibility: Multiple tube sets can be connected in series or parallel to expand capacity.
High durability: Suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature, or corrosive fluids.
Effective counterflow operation: High overall heat transfer efficiency, even under small temperature differences.
Excellent for viscous or fouling fluids: Ideal for syrups, brines, oils, resins, or fluids containing solids, thanks to their easy-clean design.

Double-pipe heat exchangers are commonly used in laboratories, food processing plants (especially for hygienic or high-viscosity applications), and industrial processes involving corrosive, high-pressure, or fouling-prone fluids.

In general, corrosive, high-temperature, or high-pressure fluids are routed through the inner tube. If both fluids are safe, the one with the higher flow rate typically flows through the larger flow area (outer tube), to optimize pressure drop and flow distribution.