Would A Heat Exchanger Work If It Was Submerged in Very Hot Water To Heat The Water Going Through It?

would a heat exchanger work if it was submerged in very hot water to heat the water going through it?

A tube fin heat exchanger could work if submerged in very hot water to heat the water going through it, but several factors need to be considered:

Feasibility aspects

Heat transfer principle：In this setup, heat would transfer from the hot water outside the exchanger to the water flowing through the tubes of the heat exchanger due to the temperature difference. The tube fin design increases the surface area available for heat transfer, enhancing the efficiency of heat exchange. This allows for effective heating of the water passing through the exchanger, making it a viable option for heat transfer.

Material considerations：As long as the materials of the tube fin heat exchanger can withstand the high temperature of the surrounding hot water without deforming, corroding, or losing their mechanical and thermal properties, the heat exchanger can function properly. For example, materials like stainless steel are often suitable as they have good heat resistance and corrosion resistance.

Factors to note

Flow rate and temperature control：The flow rate of the water passing through the heat exchanger and the temperature of the surrounding hot water need to be carefully controlled. If the flow rate of the water through the exchanger is too high, there may not be enough time for sufficient heat transfer, resulting in inadequate heating. Conversely, if it's too low, it may lead to overheating of the water in the exchanger. Similarly, the temperature of the surrounding hot water should be maintained at an appropriate level to ensure efficient and safe heat transfer.

Pressure drop：The design of the heat exchanger should take into account the pressure drop of the water flowing through it. A significant pressure drop could affect the performance of the overall system and may require additional pumping power to maintain the desired flow. Optimizing the tube diameter, fin spacing, and flow path can help minimize the pressure drop while ensuring good heat transfer.

Scaling and fouling：Hot water can cause scaling and fouling on the surfaces of the heat exchanger over time. This can reduce the heat transfer efficiency and increase the risk of blockages. Regular maintenance and the use of appropriate water treatment methods are necessary to prevent or mitigate these issues.