Aluminium and copper are the two most commonly selected materials for heat exchangers. Both metals have the optimum thermal properties and corrosion resistance, with most of the differences depending on the application. Titanium, stainless steel, carbon, brass, and other alloys are common materials. For shell and tube heat exchangers, United Performance Metals offers stainless steel 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 347, 410, nickel alloy 625, and duplex stainless steel 2205. Shell and tube heat exchangers are well suited to high pressure applications. Heat is transferred from within and around a bundle of tubes inside the cylindrical shell. In this system, there are two fluids of different temperatures, one being the process fluid, the other being the cooling medium, and both are kept in continuous circulation.
Depending on the heat conditions, the tube bundle may expand or contract, and can be easily removed for service and maintenance. Heat exchangers such as these are commonly used in hydraulic and marine applications as well as swimming pools, refineries, and other industries that require a compact design and high volume capacity. Titanium, stainless steel, carbon, brass, and other alloys are common materials. For shell and tube heat exchangers, United Performance Metals offers stainless steel 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 347, 410, nickel alloy 625, and duplex stainless steel 2205.
Considerations while choosing a material: – Temperature Range Choosing the right material for heat exchanger tubes depends on how hot fluids will pass through them. The key to getting the best performance out of your tubing is finding an alloy that can withstand high temperatures effectively. – Corrosion Resistance Different metals have different corrosion resistance levels. A fluid's composition can influence corrosion patterns. Find alloys or metals that will not corrode, or at least will not corrode quickly when in contact with your material. – Heat Transfer Characteristics Material selection can also be affected by the level of heat transfer required. Some materials perform well when used to cool fluids, while some other materials may be used to heat fluids.