Spiral Heat Exchanger
Spiral Heat exchangers are made by creating single passage channels through winding two or more metal strips around a core. Through these heat exchangers, actions such as cooling, heating and evaporation can be undertaken. The heat exchangers are made using materials such as carbon, titanium, aluminum and others. Aluminum is the most common metal in the manufacture of spiral heat exchangers. The aluminum metal is readily available in the earth’s crust, malleable, ductile and lightweight. It is also reflective and highly conductive.
The properties associated with aluminum make the metal suitable for various heat exchange operations in the industrial sector. It radiates heat excellently and allows maximum heat transfer (Wessel, 2004). In addition to this, aluminum also has excellent corrosion resistance properties hence is an effective material for the achievement of heat exchange roles. Alloy 200 is another metal used in the manufacture of spiral heat exchangers. The distinguishing features of alloy 200 that make it preferred in the manufacture of spiral heat exchangers include its resistance to corrosion by various materials as well as its high thermal conductivity.
The key factor that is considered in selecting a material for the manufacture of spiral heat exchangers is the cost of the material. For instance, Nickel is far more expensive than aluminum i.e. approximately five times more expensive hence the preference for aluminum over nickel (Rajput, 2000). The price difference is however understandable due to the abundance of aluminum in nature. While selecting materials for heat exchangers, it is important to consider not only the cost but also the physical and chemical properties of the material. The key constraints in material selection include high temperatures, costs and corrosion. Aluminum is more cost effective as it also requires minimum support structures due to the low weight of the metal.
Bibliography
Rajput, R. K. (2000). Engineering materials. New Delhi, S. Chand & Company.
Wessel, J. K. (2004). The Handbook of Advanced Materials Enabling New Designs. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons.
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