Comparison between All types of Heat exchanger

Property Finned Tube Heat Exchanger (Air Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Plate Heat Exchanger (Gasket Plate Heat Exchanger)
Cooled Heat Exchanger

Design Finned tube heat exchangers consist of a series
of tubes with external fins (typically made of
aluminum or copper) that increase the surface
area for heat transfer. These tubes are often
arranged in a row or in bundles.
Shell and tube heat exchangers consist of a
shell (outer vessel) and a bundle of tubes
inside the shell. One fluid flows through the
tubes, while the other flows around them
within the shell. The two fluids do not mix.
Plate heat exchangers consist of multiple thin, corrugated plates
stacked together with gaskets between them to create alternating flow
channels for the two fluids. The plates can be made of stainless steel,
titanium, or other materials.

Working Principle These heat exchangers use ambient air to Heat is transferred from one fluid to the other Heat is transferred through the thin plates, which provide a large
dissipate heat from the tubes. Fans or blowers through the tube walls. Tube-side and shell- surface area for efficient heat exchange. The corrugations create
are commonly used to force air over the finned side baffles enhance heat transfer and turbulence, enhancing heat transfer.
tubes, promoting heat exchange between the promote fluid mixing.
fluid inside the tubes and the surrounding air

Applications Finned tube heat exchangers are commonly Shell and tube heat exchangers are versatile Plate heat exchangers are commonly used in HVAC systems, food
used in HVAC systems, power plants, and and can be used in various industries, processing, pharmaceuticals, and many industrial processes where
industrial processes where air is readily including petrochemical, chemical, and efficient heat transfer and compact design are important.
available for cooling. power generation.

Advantages They are efficient for cooling hot fluids using They are durable, capable of handling high- They are highly efficient due to their large surface area, compact in
ambient air, and they are relatively compact pressure and high-temperature applications, size, and easy to maintain. The ability to disassemble and clean the
compared to other air-cooled methods. and offer efficient heat transfer for a wide plates is a significant advantage.
range of fluids.