The Invention of the Refrigerator

The Invention of the Refrigerator

Refrigerators have served a great and advantageous purpose for us since their invention. Refrigerators are helpful in that they keep food cold, and slow the growth of bacteria so that the food can last longer.

In 1755 was the first time we were introduced to the refrigerator, with its first functioning invention being made by William Cullen, a professor in Scotland. Before this, people simply used the tools that they had available to them, like ice, to regulate temperatures and to keep food fresh.

How does Refrigeration Work?

A thermostat is a mechanism in a refrigeration system that determines and senses the temperature of the refrigerator at any given point. It then also indicates to the compressor whether to switch on or off, depending on the identified temperature.

Refrigerators contain coolant gas which is used to absorb the heat of the surrounding items and air and cool it down. As the coolant absorbs the heat, it evaporates and forms into a gas. The air and items in the fridge are then allowed to cool down as the liquid coolant is turned into a vapour. For the evaporation to take place, and for the heat to be absorbed, it is controlled by a capillary tube which reduces the pressure within the refrigerator. 

With this, the compressor also works to assist in changing the coolant back from a vapour back into a liquid and does so by increasing the temperature as well as the pressure, to cause the process of condensation. As the air compresses, the temperature increases. The compressor is considered the heart of a refrigeration system and will pump to circulate the coolant around the refrigerator.

The condenser, situated at the back of the fridge, then cools the condensed coolant down and it becomes a liquid again. The liquid coolant then makes its way back to the evaporator again where the process will start again.

For all your refrigeration needs, repairs, services, and more, contact Centromac today for more information.

Heat exchanger basics

A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat from one medium to another. For example, a hydraulic oil cooler will remove heat from hot oil using cold water or air. A swimming pool heat exchanger, on the other hand, uses hot water from a boiler or solar heated water circuit to heat the pool water. Conduction heat exchangers transfer heat through the exchanger materials that separate the mediums being used. A shell and tube heat exchanger cools a liquid by passing it through and over tubes, and an air-cooled heat exchanger cools it by passing cool air through a core of fins.

Types of heat exchangers

There are several types of heat exchangers.

Shell and tube heat exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers are made up of many small tubes that are housed within a cylindrical shell. The tubes are positioned into the cylinder using a tube bundle or tube stack that can have fixed tube plates permanently fixed to the body or a floating tube stack that allows the tube bundle to expand and contract with varying heat conditions. The latter is easily removed for service and maintenance.

Plate heat exchangers

Plate heat exchangers work in the same way as shell and tube heat exchangers, but instead of tubes, they use a series of stacked plates. Depending on the application and fluids used, plate heat exchangers are usually brazed or gasketed. Because of their compact stainless steel construction, they are ideal for use with refrigerants or in food and beverage processing.

Air-cooled heat exchangers

Air-cooled heat exchangers are commonly used in vehicles or other mobile applications where there is no permanent source of cool water. A fan or air flow caused by the movement of the vehicle provides cool air.

Contact Centromac for details

If you would like to know more about our heat exchangers and maintenance services or request a quote, get in touch with a representative from Centromac today. Alternatively, please continue browsing our website for additional information on our complete range of offers.

Troubleshooting heat exchangers problems

Heat exchangers are used in many processes and products, including air conditioning systems and radiators and sewage treatment plants, oil refineries, chemical factories, and other industrial facilities. Its primary purpose is to transfer heat from one medium to another. Because of its engagement in such heavy-duty applications, a heat exchanger may be subjected to corrosive or harmful substances.

As a result, frequent maintenance is required for the heat exchangers and the machinery to which they are linked. You will want to limit the need to fix heat exchangers as much as possible, but if you notice poor performance or damage to your equipment, it is better to contact specialists like Centromac for assistance. However, if you spot a faulty heat exchanger, there are several easy actions you may take while you wait for professional repair services.

Turn off the heat exchanger

Allowing the device to continue to operate while it is broken can compound the damage, resulting in subsequent disasters. If possible, unplug the heat exchanger from its power supply and allow it to cool.

Consult the user manual

This document will help you understand what typical performance should be like. Even if you are not doing most of the repair work on your own, having a basic grasp of the heat exchanger’s parts will be beneficial. It is possible that there is no problem with your heat exchanger and that there was merely an error in installation or operation. Going through the user handbook will assist you to differentiate the differences.

Conduct a visual assessment

Once you’ve gathered the necessary information from the user handbook, you’ll be able to run a fast visual check to see whether your heat exchanger is experiencing any surface issues. For example, you can inspect the device’s shut-off valves for any obstructions. Check the hot water levels, strainers, traps, solenoid coil settings, and thermostat settings as well.

Contact Centromac for details

Once you’ve identified any problems in your heat exchanger, an experienced and qualified professional can help you find and remedy any challenges.

If you would like to know more about our heat exchanger maintenance services or request a quote, get in touch with a representative from Centromac today. Alternatively, please continue browsing our website for additional information on our complete range of offers.

Common heat exchanger problems

A heat exchanger is the most important component of a cooling or heating system. Its failure can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your system and comfort if on a HVAC application. Understanding the major causes of heat exchanger failure may help you avoid an emergency collapse of your cooling or heating system. These are the most common heat exchanger problems to look out for.

Rusting

Condensation or untreated process water may result in rust developing within your heat exchanger. Corrosion may quickly build up inside and outside of the heat exchanger, particularly if the system is switched of and stagnant for periods of time. Without immediate attention, the rust will slowly destroy the heat exchanger.

Corrosion

Corrosion in a heat exchanger is the result of the complicated chemical interaction of fluids and other elements moving in the exchanger. Corrosion can occur in the exchanger’s shell, over the tube, on the sheet, and in other areas. High Chlorine levels are especially are very corrosive and can lead to “chlorine-cracking”. Without a protective layer, the heat exchanger is more prone to corrosion. As metal deterioration accelerates, your HVAC system becomes more vulnerable to harm. If you detect corrosion in your heat exchangers, call your service provider immediately for the appropriate treatments.

Fouling

Heat exchangers typically foul as the result of limited fluid flow and the combined qualities of hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layers. This situation has an impact on the entire performance of your HVAC system. Optimizing heat exchanger designs is one of the most effective fouling reduction measures. Additional causes of fouling include chemical changes, biological causes such as organism growth, poor filtration of fluids that lead to precipitation of dirt in the heat exchanger, and corrosion. More frequent cleaning by professionals will help prevent fouling.

Efficiency tests.

We can assist with in-process test methods to establish the condition and efficiency of your heat exchangers. Infra-reanalyses of the flow patterns in the heat exchanger combined with flow volumes and temperature analyses can be used to check conditions.

Contact Centromac for details

Prevent these heat exchanger problems by identifying the cause. If you suspect any problems in your heat exchanger or HVAC systems, an experienced and qualified professional can help you find and remedy any challenges.

If you would like to know more about our heat-exchanger maintenance services or request a quote, get in touch with a representative from Centromac today. Alternatively, free to continue browsing our website for additional information on our complete range of offers.

The importance of heat exchanger maintenance

Heat exchangers are at the core of various critical industrial systems, from powerplants to industrial and chemical plants. As a crucial component of heat management systems, organizations need to take heat exchanger maintenance seriously to prevent potentially deadly events resulting from fire and explosions. Proper and frequent cleaning is crucial to ensure your heat exchanger is functioning efficiently.

Heat exchangers work by transferring heat out to maintain temperature and pressure. However, a build-up of waste products like oil or dirt often prevents these systems from working effectively. Cleaning heat exchangers is a

Heat exchanger cleaning is an intricate, multi-step process that a qualified technician should carry out. Some of the tasks a heat exchange technician will perform include:

Various inspections

The technician will meticulously document the condition of the heat exchanger. The first inspection notes the state of the heat exchanger when the technician arrives. Its condition post-wipe-down and after-job inspections will be recorded to assist managers and maintenance staff in understanding their equipment’s condition. This in turn, will help them have an overall picture of their heat exchanger health and better predict when maintenance is required.

Tube cleaning and coating

Exchanger tubes are vital to all heat exchangers and must remain clean and suitably coated to ensure the efficient exchange of heat. Therefore, technicians will thoroughly clean and recoat all exchanger tubes with industry-certified techniques and materials as part of routine maintenance.

Other tasks

During routine maintenance of a heat-exchanger, the technician will remove the tube covers and clean them to ensure there are no breaks in containment seals. If necessary, the heat-exchange technician will repair or replace any parts.

Contact Centromac for details

An experienced and qualified professional must frequently and thoroughly maintain the heat exchanger to ensure optimal safety for your staff and facilities.

If you would like to know more about our heat exchanger maintenance services or request a quote, get in touch with a representative from Centromac today. Alternatively, free to continue browsing our website for additional information on our complete range of offers.

Industrial refrigeration system maintenance

To ensure the reliable performance and efficiency of large-scale industrial refrigeration systems, preventative maintenance is a must. When you avoid breakdowns and outages, you not only increase the industrial refrigeration system’s longevity but also increase your return on investment.

Regular inspection of your industrial refrigeration systems can help locate and identify problems and address any issues that may result in further damage.

Daily checks

Simple checks and tasks performed every day can ensure your equipment continues to perform at its best.

  • Keep your equipment clean, and immediately clean any drips or spills that happen to prevent odours and mould growth.
  • Confirm the temperature and defrost settings at least once a day, if applicable. This helps to prevent and excess energy use.
  • Check the unit’s seals and other areas prone to leaks.
  • Ensure the lighting in the unit is shut off after use to avoid unnecessary heat.
  • Inspect noises and vibrations that often indicate early signs of problems.
  • Check the drain pan and empty if necessary.

Professional maintenance

Professionals like the team at Centromaccan execute bigger maintenance tasks and ensure everything works perfectly. These tasks often include:

  • Inspecting and cleaning industrial refrigeration systems’ heat exchangers monthly to prevent the system from working harder.
  • Dirty fan blades will force the motor to work harder to rotate the blades. Therefore, during monthly maintenance, the fan blades will be cleaned, screws checked for tightness, and the general condition of the blades scrutinised.
  • Defrost the industrial refrigeration systems according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Certain activities require specialised knowledge and should always be performed by an experienced professional. The team at Centromac can create a maintenance program specifically designed for your facility and equipment to minimise downtime.

Contact Centromac for details

If you would like to know more about our maintenance services for industrial refrigeration systems or request a quote, get in touch with a representative from Centromac today. Alternatively, free to continue browsing our website for additional information on our complete range of offers.

The Specific Requirements of Cooled Server Rooms

Businesses of all types and sizes are fairly reliant on computers and servers these days.

From data storage to simply running an internal office network, servers have become a fair staple in just about any industry.

These servers have their own sets of requirements, however, if they are to be used and looked after properly; one such requirement to have them housed in cooled server rooms, which means that these businesses also have a need for specialised refrigeration and airconditioning repair and maintenance services, and of course, services relating to their installation in server rooms.

Here we will discuss what makes a cooled server room an essential investment for just about any business. We will do this by looking at what they are exactly, which businesses make the most use out of them, why they are needed, as well as their benefits.

This will help your business take the right approach to cool its server room; so, let’s get started:

What are Cooled Server Rooms?

Cooled server rooms essentially provide an environment that ensures the protection and longevity of computer server systems.

The hardware that the house produces a lot of heat, and as the needs for this hardware increases in scale, the heat generated by these system increases as well.

The challenge here is that computer systems and heat are two things that typically don’t go very well together, especially when temperatures start to be generated in excessive levels (which is often the case with servers).

This means that server rooms need to have carefully implemented climate control systems that don’t only keep a constantly cool temperature, but also ensure a certain humidity level that is neither too moist or too dry.

To ensure this, server rooms are fitted with specialised air conditioning systems that allow for pinpoint control over their internal climate variables (such as temperature and humidity).

This doesn’t just offer a number of advantages to server rooms (which we will discuss a little bit later on) but is actually a necessity for keeping servers running effectively, without downtime suffered from avoidable damages.

On top of this, server rooms are lockable to keep equipment secure and are generally also fire-proof to ensure that there is a minimal risk of damage caused.

Who Needs Them?

Server rooms come in all shapes and sizes, from compact shelves with single servers to entire refrigerated rooms housing millions of Rands worth of sensitive equipment.

The scale and complexity of cooled server rooms is dependant on the size and requirements of the business using it, making them essential for just about any type of business.

Data Storage Handling

Any business working with data storage and handling generally make use of expensive, highly specialised electronic equipment.

This is as true for data-centres and media houses as it is for large-scale companies that need to store large quantities of client data on electronic equipment.

In such professional settings, the equipment used to store, analyse and retrieve data is the cornerstone of the business using them, and as such, need exceptional care if these types of businesses are to remain in a competitive space; regardless of the size of their operations.

Medium to Large Businesses

Businesses of just about all sizes are reliant on cold server rooms as well, and the more they scale up, the more complex the needs for these server rooms become.

Exceptionally small businesses, whose server may only be a single computer, could probably get away with not having a proper server room or bracket in place. But as operations grow through medium businesses, servers become significantly more complex; and switches, routers, computers and hard0drive shelves start being used.

By the time any business’ tech reaches this stage, the use of a cooled server room that keeps servers and their various components becomes all the more essential.

Why do Server Rooms Need Cooling?

We’ve spoken a bit about the fact that servers need effective cooling solutions; but why exactly do they.

Electronic equipment is highly sensitive to both temperature and ambient moisture in their immediate environment; and while they run, they actually add to the negative variables that can affect their performance or even leave them damaged.

Because of this, there are two major factors that every server setup needs to ensure are carefully controlled.

These factors include temperature and humidity:

Temperature Control

Temperature is an essential point of control wherever computers and their related server equipment is being employed. As they run (and depending on the processing power required for their tasks), enough heat can be generated to actually cause damage to equipment.

In any setting where electronic equipment exceeds temperatures of 90°C, there is a serious risk of failure.

This means that ambient temperatures need to be kept at a respectable minimum, to help with cooling equipment while it is being used.

The greater the processing power, the greater the need for cooling. The greater the need for cooling, the more effective cold server room needs to be.

Humidity Control

Humidity is another concern for cold server rooms since electronic equipment is highly sensitive to excessive moisture in the environment.

It is no secret that water and electronics are not exactly the best of friends, and so humidity levels need to be kept relatively low to ensure that no excessive moisture in the server room presents a risk of damage to equipment.

This doesn’t mean, however, that cold server rooms should be as dry as possible, as too little moisture can create an even greater problem.

If the air in a cold server room becomes too dry, there is a heightened risk of static charges being created on its surfaces.

Electronics are even more sensitive to static charges than they are to moisture, with even the smallest sparkrendering hardware utterly unusable.

Because of this, col server rooms need to find the ideal balance between moisture and dryness in the air.

To offer the best protection possible, the relative humidity in a server room should be somewhere between 40% and 60%.

Other Essential Server Room Requirements

Of course, server rooms fulfil a number of other functions aside from temperature control, which means that their design needs to incorporate a few essential elements at once.

Most important of these include the need for a solution that is relatively fire-proof, it needs to be able to prevent tampering and pilfering, and it also needs to accommodate enough space for every component being used as part of the server, while still offering optimal airflow.

Let’s take a closer look at each one here:

Fire Proof

Let’s go back quickly to the way that electronics and water are never a good mix for each other, and then consider how one would go about dousing a fire should it be in danger of reaching the server room.

Naturally, fire sprinklers and other suppression systems are not a good fit for server rooms because of this.

Therefore, they need to be designed in such a way as to offer exceptional fire protection, to ensure that there is a minimal risk of damage should one break out in the office.

Security

The next important thing to consider is server room security, and every server room or shelf needs to offer exceptional protection in this regard.

Consider the total cost of every piece of equipment within your server room; not just the cost of replacing them should something happen, but the value of their functions and the data they store for your business.

A loss of this equipment, or its functionality, as a result of tampering with the hardware or worse still, having it stolen, can present a possibly fatal challenge to businesses of all types; particularly those that house sensitive information.

Because of this, server rooms need to be easily secured with locks, surveillance and alarm systems that deter theft or tampering.

Available Space

Where the availability of space is a concern for server rooms, there are two things that need to be seen for them to work effectively and to ensure the longevity and performance of its contained hardware.

Firstly, it stands to reason that the room needs to be large enough to accommodate every component that makes up the server. These might include computers, screens, external hard-drive cases, network switches, monitoring hardware, routers and more.

So, the first step when having one designed is to know exactly what type of hardware it will need to encase so that they can be designed to accommodate them comfortably.

This doesn’t mean that as much hardware as possible can be crammed into a server room, you need to remember that cold server rooms only operate effectively when there is enough air flowing through them to cool components and expel any heat generated by them.

Because of this, they need to be designed with accommodation for additional space.

Should the needs of your server be scaled up, it might be worth increasing the capacity of your server room before upgrading the server itself.

The Benefits of Cooled Server Rooms for Businesses

With all of this in mind, you should already be able to see how server rooms can benefit your business.

But let’s take a bit of a closer look at some of the most major advantages that can be gleaned from doing so.

These include the ability to keep equipment properly protected, the ability to fine-tune energy consumption, the ability to easily scale your server rooms for your particular needs, and extending the life-span of your server-related hardware.

Protect Equipment

Server hardware faces a number of dangers from a variety of sources including static, moisture, heat, theft, fire, surges, and accidents; just to name a few.

While the hardware used is generally quite robust, they do require additional protection, especially as they grow in scale and complexity.

The carefully controlled environment offered by cold server rooms ensures that any risks to your hardware are minimised, thanks to their effectiveness at protecting hardware from damage through all of the sources mentioned above.

Fine-Tune Energy Consumption

If energy consumption and running costs area concern for your business, it is good to know that a properly designed server room allows for not only careful and thorough monitoring of the conditions in the room (such as humidity and temperature), but also gives you exact control over those variables as well.

This allows businesses to find a balance between fostering a protective environment for the server room, while also ensuring that running costs are kept at a minimum.

Scalability

As your business grows and changes, so too will it’s particular needs, and one of the first places where you might need to make adjustments in this regard includes your company’s server.

While server rooms are complex and specifically designed to fit particular business environments, they are generally not set-in-stone.

They are generally designed to be easily adapted to the growth of a business, as the requirements for hardware and performance increases alongside the capacity of the business itself.

Extend Equipment Longevity

Excessive heat in a server room may not necessarily damage equipment immediately. Often enough, excessive temperatures simply result in a significant shortening of the hardware’s lifespan.

Depending on the severity of the setting, hardware’s lifespan can be shortened by anything between months to years.

By providing the ideal climate for hardware to operate in, therefore, you can significantly extend the years of use your business gets out of them.

Contact Centromac South Africa for Details

Hopefully, this information has helped to make things a little clearer for you if your business is looking for assistance with setting up a cold server room that suits its needs the best.

If you would like to know more about our offers on cold server installations, maintenance and repairs, be sure to get into contact with a representative from CentromacSouth Africa today, or visit our website for further details on our offers.

What are Heat Exchangers?

Heat exchanger services form the backbone of many applications across both the industrial sector and the commercial one.

There is a high need for effective, efficient and economical systems that allow businesses to enact fingertip control over internal temperatures; whether those be as part of a refrigeration system, a fluid control system, or even when looking to manage uniform temperatures throughout a facility.

Heat exchangers have become an important component in just about all systems that seek to achieve this type of control, which makes their widespread use no surprise, regardless of the industry it is servicing.

Because they form a crucial part of just about all applications in certain industries, we will explore them in more detail here. We will look at what they are, their different types, and how they benefit businesses.

So, let’s get started:

What are Heat Exchangers?

Heat exchangers come in a variety of types depending on your needs for them, each with their own unique functions, properties, advantages and setbacks.

However, even with these differences in types, heat exchangers always work to perform a similar function. In a nutshell, they form part of a system where temperatures need to be transferred from one point to another.

This is typically done through the use of two different fluids within the heat exchanger. These fluids might come into contact with one another to do this; however, there are also situations where these two fluids will not make contact with each other, in being separated by a wall within the system to prevent them from making direct contact during the process of exchange.

These fluids are generally either water or oil thanks to their thermal conductivity which makes the process all the more effective.

Wherever a fluid is being used in heat exchangers, they need to have a fairly low viscosity to ensure that the fluids flow uninterrupted, while also having the exceptional thermal capacity to ensure that heat is adequately transferred through the liquid.

How do Heat Exchangers Work?

Heat exchangers are an excellent approach to conserving energy in a factory or plant thanks to allowing the facility to make the most out of the heat that it produces, it also allows for effective cooling by eliminating heat from a system where necessary.

Of course, they aren’t only used for these processes, having their places in everything from in our homes to being used in cars and planes.

A heat exchanger will transfer heat from one fluid to another without having them come into direct contact. Quite simply, hot fluid will flow through a coiled tube within the device.

Another, much colder fluid runs through the device in the opposite direction allowing for the heat exchange to take place without creating any points of direct contact.

This way, the fluid that entered into the shell at a high temperature will exit the other end cooler than before, while the cool liquid will exit the other end at a higher temperature.

This, of course, is a very basic description that accounts for just about all types of heat exchangers. Different types will provide functionality through slightly different processes, however. But we will explore these in more detail a little later on.

Why are Heat Exchangers Used?

There are a number of reasons to use heat exchangers, and these reasons span across a number of industries and settings.

From right here in our own homes, to our offices and factories, right through to the vehicles we use to travel between them; heat exchangers form a crucial part of almost all aspects of our lives.

Their two major purposes include heating and cooling.

Imagine for a second, you need to heat an entire building through the use of a boiler system. Using a heat exchanger service, you can ensure that this heat is distributed effectively through the fluids within a piping system; whereby the water or oil can be heated by the burner and sent to each part of the structure.

Heat exchangers also work for cooling, such as in refrigeration, air conditioning or climate control inside of facilities and homes; even your air conditioner uses a heat exchanger to ensure that it can effectively cool and heat the air that it provides.

Of course, heating and cooling are fairly simplistic terms in this regard. The way that heating and cooling are conducted by a heat exchanger, and for what purposes, will be dependant on the type of environment it is being used in.

Which Industries Require Heat Exchangers?

As you can imagine, heat exchangers are used across a multiverse of industries. These components are essential, even if often overlooked in their capacity to enhance productivity and enact exact control over certain environments.

While they are also used in various domestic applications (such as in air conditioners and fridges), here we will explore their use in the industries that have a strong reliance on heat-exchanger services that meet their exact needs.

Waste-Water Treatment

Heat exchangers are used extensively in waste-water treatment. The process of treatment releases a lot of energy in the form of heat. Without the use of heat exchangers, this energy goes to waste, accounting for a rise in costs and also contributing significantly to the destruction of the local environment.

Using heat exchangers in such situations allows this heat to be reintroduced into the facility from where it can be used for a range of heating and cooling activities.

Food & Beverage Industries

The food and beverage industries are wholly reliant on methods used to keep perishables (whether they are finished products or ingredients) fresh.

This need for cooling is not limited only to production, there is also the matter of keeping produce fresh during storage, as well as during transport.

This calls for a need for specialised airconditioning and refrigeration systems that are designed to protect the condition of produce during every step; from production to take it to market.

These systems, as you may have guessed, are reliant on effective heat exchangers for their functionality.

Petrochemical Plants

Petrochemical plants have a dire need for exact environmental control, particularly where temperatures are concerned. They work with highly volatile substances, as well as those that need to adhere to strict quality control conditions which need to be carefully managed at all stages of production.

On top of this, much like in water treatment, petrochemical processing generates a staggering amount of heat, heat which can be considered wasted energy if not properly harnessed through heat exchangers.

Wholesale & Retail

Walk into any supermarket and one of the first things you notice is the staggering dip in temperature as you enter the door.

Then there are the large-scale needs for specialised refrigeration to keep everything from dairy to meat products fresh.

Each of these systems needs to manage temperatures effectively and economically through the use of heat exchangers; providing outlets with a solution for consistent temperature control at less of a cost.

Types of Heat Exchangers Available

It is plain to see that heat exchanger services have a crucial role to play in many different aspects of our personal and professional lives. Since their use and application is so varied, it stands to reason that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all product that meets the needs of every conceivable industry.

There are, rather, a range of different types, each with their own unique properties, applications, benefits and drawbacks.

Let’s explore a few of them here:

Plate Heat Exchangers

Plate heat exchangers use metallic plates to create a much larger surface area to facilitate more effective heat transfer between them.

They allow their operators an additional level of flexibility since their rate of heat exchange can be altered by adding or removing plates from the system individually.

This also makes them fairly easy to clean and maintain, since they can be disassembled without too much effort.

Benefits

Plate heat exchangers offer a number of unique advantages wherever they are used. They are exceptionally efficient, compact and scalable.

They are also fairly easy and affordable in terms of maintenance, making them a great investment for long-term cost saving.

Disadvantages

Of course, plate heat exchangers also come with a few disadvantages that you might want to be aware of before sourcing any.

For starters, they are not the most effective solution where sealing is concerned; which leads to quite a bit of leaking, especially when maintenance is overlooked.

They are also fairly limited in terms of their operational pressure and temperature thresholds, which are dependent on the materials used in the plates themselves.

Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers operate exactly according to the description given near the beginning of this article.

A cold fluid enters one end of the shell through a tube that separates it from a hot fluid in the shell. As it does this, heat is exchanged from the hot to the cold fluid.

This makes the cold fluid come out hotter when it exits, while the hotter fluid loses temperature as it does the same.

Benefits

Shell and tube heat exchangers come with a number of advantages.

They are able to withstand remarkably high operational pressures. They are very robust but also offer flexibility in terms of design.

Their temperature threshold also works on a fairly wide spectrum, being well suited to extremely high or low temperatures.

Disadvantages

Like any other exchanger, shell and tube heat exchangers have one or two drawbacks to consider.

For instance, they do not distribute heat as effectively as plate heat exchangers, their tube cooler capacity cannot be expanded, and they take up quite a bit more floor-space than other solutions.

Tube to Fin Heat Exchangers

These types of heat exchangers use fin-type chambers and plates to allow for the transfer of heat between two different fluids.

This allows them to make the most out of the surface area when it comes to effectively transfer heat between them through a solution that is not only very effective but also compact and well suited to high volume transfer ratios.

Benefits

These types of heat exchangers offer an impressive increase in the outer surface area of the tubes, which in turn improves the rate of heat transfer offered by the system.

This is the single most beneficial feature of the tube to fin heat exchangers and marks them as the ideal solution for specialised applications.

Disadvantages

Of course, like any of the abovementioned solutions for heat exchange, these tubes to fin heat exchangers do come with one or two disadvantages that you should be aware of when mulling over candidate solutions for your temperature control needs.

Cleaning and maintenance represent the biggest drawback of this technology since it isn’t particularly straightforward or simple.

This is because of the mechanical fins which may hold on to debris a little more stalwartly than you may like. This means that when it comes time for maintenance to be conducted, it is best handled by a provider of heat exchange services if it is to be done effectively.

Contact Centromact Refrigeration for Details

With all of this in mind, it is relatively easy to see why it is important to find a heat exchanger service that you can rely on to provide quality, effectiveness, reliability and cost-effectiveness.

With a service that meets your exact requirements, you will be able to enact seamless and effective heat management within your facility; whether that be a large-scale industrial plant or simply a restaurant or kitchen.

If you would like to know more about getting unbeatable services from a trusted air conditioning company in Johannesburg, be sure to get into contact with a representative from Centromac Refrigerationtoday, or visit and browse our website for in-depth information on each of our offers and services.

Heat Exchangers for Flow arrangement

There are three primary classifications of heat exchangers according to their flow arrangement. In parallel-flow heat exchangers, the two fluids enter the exchanger at the same end, and travel in parallel to one another to the other side. In counter-flow heat exchangers the fluids enter the exchanger from opposite ends. The counter current design is the most efficient, in that it can transfer the most heat from the heat (transfer) medium per unit mass due to the fact that the average temperature difference along any unit length this higher.  In a cross-flow heat exchanger, the fluids travel roughly perpendicular to one another through the exchanger

What are different types of Heat Exchangers?

Heat exchangers come mainly in the following types to mention a few (i ) Braised Plate Heat Exchangers , (ii) Gasket Heat Exchangers

Efficiency that gives a competitive edge

Brazed plate heat exchangers are one of the most efficient ways to transfer heat. They are designed to provide unparalleled performance with the lowest life-cycle cost. Choosing brazed technology for your next heating or cooling project will bring many benefits, including savings in space, energy, and maintenance.

Advantages Gasketed Heat Plat Exchangers 

Economical, low-capital investment, Easy to install, Heavy duty, Low maintenance costs, Compact modular design

Mantainance

Dirt in the systems, ice formation in refrigerators, and mechanical damage are the reasons for failure in tube heat exchangers

Where to find us?

For more information about our shell and tube heat exchanger and services, contact us or visit our website. https://www.centromac.co.za/

Centromac Logo
Centromac Logo
 

Telephone Number:011 397 1024

Cell Number:082 802 0785

Email Address:johan@centromac.co.za

 

Deprecated: str_replace(): Passing null to parameter #3 ($subject) of type array|string is deprecated in /home/c1266905/public_html/wp-content/plugins/accordions/includes/functions.php on line 791