- The simplest kind of heat exchanger is a big pipe with a smaller pipe inside it. Cold fluid travels through one and hot through the other. In the most efficient kind, the fluids flowing in opposite directions. When the fluids travel in parallel directions, the exchange of heat isn't as efficient.
- Many heat exchangers have a big tub or shell with pipes coiling or folded back and forth inside. This configuration is especially good for high pressure situations. The tub or shell is easy to strengthen. Quite often the pipe will have fins or extensions for greater heat exchange. The pipes inside a shell may be flattened into plate-like structures to increase surface area.
- Some heat exchangers use a third medium in between the hot and cold. The third medium can be a liquid or a solid. The hot side heats the medium and the medium moves into the cold.
- Liquid and air meet when steam is introduced into a container and fluid is showered down on it. This method also cleans impurities out of the steam. Espresso coffee machines use this method to cool the hot water to an acceptable temperature. In another kind of air and liquid exchanger, air and liquid meet but don't mix. Large air conditioners use pipes with extremely cold fluid to cool outside air.
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