Finned Tube Heat Exchanger for Waste Heat Recovery

Finned Tube Heat Exchanger for Waste Heat Recovery

A finned tube heat exchanger is a type of heat exchanger used for efficient heat transfer between fluids. It is commonly used for waste heat recovery applications where the goal is to capture and reuse heat that would otherwise be wasted.

How it Works:

Basic Principle:

The basic principle of a finned tube heat exchanger involves two fluids—one hot and one cold—flowing through the exchanger without coming into direct contact with each other.

The hot fluid, which is the waste heat source, transfers its heat to the outer surface of the tubes.

The fins attached to the tubes increase the surface area, allowing for better heat transfer between the hot fluid and the tubes.

Hot Fluid Side:

The hot fluid (often a gas or liquid) enters the heat exchanger and flows over the finned tubes.

As it passes over the tubes, heat is transferred from the fluid to the outer surface of the tubes.

Cold Fluid Side:

The cold fluid (which could be water, air, or another fluid) flows inside the tubes.

As it passes through the tubes, it absorbs the heat from the outer surface through conduction.

The fins on the tubes help to increase the efficiency of heat transfer by increasing the surface area available for heat exchange.

Heat Transfer:

Heat is transferred from the hot fluid to the cold fluid through the tube walls.

The cold fluid then exits the heat exchanger at an elevated temperature, having gained heat from the hot fluid.

The hot fluid exits the heat exchanger at a lower temperature, having transferred its heat to the cold fluid.