benefits of stainless steel heat exchangers

Careful consideration of the heat exchanger material can have a significant impact on the overall running costs. Furthermore, commissioning should not be a one-off activity and should instead take a holistic approach over many years in order to optimise efficiencies.

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The building services industry is continually reminded that many of the commercial premises in use today will still be around in &#; and if the emissions from our existing stock are not improved, EU energy reduction targets will not be met.

Of course, there are various measures that can be considered for a low carbon retrofit, but one of the most common scenarios faced by building services engineers is the need to replace ageing boiler plant. High efficiency condensing units are in abundance these days but, beneath the surface, there are some key differences which can have a significant impact on a boiler&#;s long term performance.

So, what are the USPs to look out for? Excellent efficiencies might sound like the obvious answer but, as most manufacturers will agree, the days of gaining an advantage with a percentage here or there is a thing of the past. Modern gas fired condensing boilers are already at the maximum level of achievable efficiencies. Subsequently, rather than looking at headline figures before the unit is installed, a refocus to lifetime efficiency should be considered, as this is where the material a heat exchanger is manufactured from starts to have a bearing.

Now, in a condensing boiler, the heat exchanger operates in a very harsh environment and has to tolerate extreme thermal and mechanical stresses, the vagaries of system water quality and dissolved oxygen &#; not to mention the effects of corrosive condensate. Therefore, using a material specifically designed to withstand such an onslaught is vital; for this reason, stainless steel water tube type heat exchangers have become the preferred option for gas condensing boilers. At ELCO, we have used them for years to ensure reliable operation with many of the latest designs also promoting turbulent flow within the waterways, helping to eliminate the static boundary layer and, in turn, reduce the tendency for micro-boiling. Having such features diminishes the risk of internal fouling, while also facilitating efficient heat exchange and quieter running. The grade of stainless steel used in a heat exchanger must also have a very high resistance to corrosion &#; not only internally, but also externally &#; to retain the integrity of the component throughout its operating life.

There is no doubt that when it comes to replacing boiler plant in a commercial building, it is often a carefully considered and, inevitably, significant investment. So, after specifying the correct unit, the second key element to maintaining system efficiency is the implementation of the correct commissioning schedule.

Unfortunately, the whole concept of commissioning has become somewhat underutilised within the industry. It should be far more of an in-depth process, rather than a one-off activity that only occurs when a new building is completed or an existing one refurbished. Good commissioning should take a more holistic view over many years, taking into account how a building will be used and occupied to optimise peak performance. Commissioning also provides an opportunity to set up a building correctly, using appropriately skilled engineers and technicians who can put the heating system through its paces without affecting the occupiers.

The procedures established in the commissioning process should even consider the ongoing maintenance regime. Integrating a regular inspection and servicing schedule is vital to safeguarding a system against possible poor performance. So, it is important that building and facilities managers are well-informed on the techniques and disciplines of keeping their heating appliances in peak working condition. Manufacturers are, of course, able to offer plenty of advice and assistance, but only by ensuring commercial boilers are maintained and serviced properly can heating systems run efficiently and economically for their entire lifecycle.

Given the scale of the carbon emission targets facing the commercial buildings sector these days, making certain the heating and hot water plant is at peak efficiency is a significant consideration. As gas fired condensing boilers remain a key part of any retrofit project, ensuring the installation remains highly efficient for its lifetime is the new priority.

Installing units with stainless steel heat exchangers can act as a silent insurance policy for both the boiler plant (and specifier) &#; allowing it to operate with the peace of mind that it should last for its designed operating life. Combined with a well-staged service and maintenance schedule, boilers can continue to operate at the levels they were originally designed for, and help the existing stock of commercial premises stay energy efficient for years to come.

Ends

Enhancing Efficiency with Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers

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Heat exchangers play a critical role in various industries, facilitating the transfer of heat between fluids while maintaining separation. Among the wide array of materials available for heat exchanger construction, 316 stainless steel stands out for its exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and thermal conductivity.

Corrosion Resistance

The use of stainless steel heat exchangers offers unparalleled corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments where exposure to corrosive substances or high temperatures is inevitable. This corrosion resistance is attributed to the alloy&#;s composition, which includes chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, forming a protective oxide layer that prevents rust and deterioration over time. As a result, 316 stainless steel heat exchangers exhibit longevity and reliability, even in challenging operating conditions.

Durability

The robustness of 316 stainless steel makes it an ideal choice for heat exchanger applications that require resistance to mechanical stress, erosion, and thermal cycling. Whether in industrial processes, chemical plants, or marine environments, 316 stainless steel heat exchangers maintain their structural integrity and performance over extended periods, minimizing maintenance requirements and downtime.

Thermal Conductivity

316 stainless steel boasts excellent thermal conductivity, facilitating efficient heat transfer between fluids in heat exchanger systems. This property ensures rapid and uniform heating or cooling of the process fluids, optimizing energy efficiency and reducing operating costs. Whether in HVAC systems, power generation facilities, or food processing plants, 316 SS heat exchangers contribute to enhanced productivity and sustainability.

Types of Stainless Steel Heat Exchangers

Stainless steel heat exchangers are essential components in various industries, facilitating the efficient transfer of heat between fluids while ensuring durability and corrosion resistance. Here are some common types of stainless steel heat exchangers:

1. Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers:

• Shell and tube heat exchangers consist of a shell (outer vessel) and a series of tubes (inner vessels) through which the fluids flow. The fluids exchange heat as they pass through the tubes, with one fluid flowing inside the tubes (the tube side) and the other flowing outside the tubes (the shell side). Stainless steel tubes are often used in these exchangers due to their corrosion resistance and thermal conductivity.

2. Plate Heat Exchangers:

• Plate heat exchangers utilize a series of plates with alternating channels for the hot and cold fluids. The fluids flow in counter-current or co-current directions, allowing efficient heat transfer through the thin stainless steel plates. Plate heat exchangers are compact, lightweight, and offer high thermal efficiency, making them suitable for applications where space is limited or rapid heat transfer is required.

3. Finned Tube Heat Exchangers:

• Finned tube heat exchangers consist of stainless steel tubes with extended surfaces (fins) attached to increase the surface area available for heat transfer. These exchangers are particularly effective in air-to-fluid or gas-to-fluid heat transfer applications, such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration units, and industrial boilers.

4. Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchangers:

• Tube-in-tube heat exchangers feature concentric tubes nested within each other, with one fluid flowing through the inner tube and the other flowing through the annular space between the inner and outer tubes. This design allows for efficient heat transfer while maintaining a compact footprint, making tube-in-tube heat exchangers suitable for applications with limited space constraints.

5. Plate-Fin Heat Exchangers:

• Plate-fin heat exchangers consist of stacked plates with alternating layers of fins, creating a series of narrow passages for the fluids to flow through. These exchangers offer high heat transfer coefficients and are commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and cryogenic applications, where compactness and efficiency are paramount.

6. Spiral Heat Exchangers:

• Spiral heat exchangers feature two flat stainless steel plates wound into a spiral configuration, creating multiple parallel channels for fluid flow. This design promotes turbulent flow and enhances heat transfer efficiency, making spiral heat exchangers suitable for handling viscous fluids, slurries, and high fouling applications.

Applications

316 SS heat exchangers find applications across a diverse range of industries and processes, including:

• Chemical processing
• Petrochemical refineries
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Food and beverage production
• HVAC and refrigeration systems
• Power generation and renewable energy

Conclusion

316 stainless steel heat exchangers offer an unbeatable combination of corrosion resistance, durability, and thermal conductivity, making them indispensable in critical industrial processes and applications. By harnessing the superior properties of 316 stainless steel, businesses can optimize efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure reliable operation of their heat exchanger systems for years to come.

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