Selecting a shell-and-tube heat exchanger is not as simple as it seems; it's not a matter of just choosing any model. Generally, it requires accumulating experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of our refrigeration systems, identifying frequently encountered problems, and selecting a heat exchange device from existing products based on specific needs. This necessitates necessary selection and calculations.
The purpose of shell-and-tube heat exchanger selection calculations is to determine the heat transfer area through thermodynamic and heat transfer calculations, thereby selecting a suitable condenser. Furthermore, fluid dynamic calculations determine the flow rate of the cooling medium and the resistance loss through the condenser, thus selecting the capacity and power of the pump or fan. The type of shell-and-tube heat exchanger depends on factors such as local water temperature, water quality, water source conditions, climate conditions, and refrigeration plant layout requirements.
In areas with abundant and high-quality cooling water, water-cooled condensers are often used. In areas with scarce cooling water or low outdoor wet-bulb temperatures in summer, evaporative condensers are preferable. Air-cooled condensers are often used in situations where cooling water supply is unavailable, or in portable air conditioning units and refrigeration equipment.