1. Classification criteria

There are several criteria for classifying the different types of exchangers. Let's list the main ones.

• Technology ranking

  The main types of exchanger are as follows:

  • with tubes: single-tube, coaxial or multi-tube ;

  • with plates: with primary or secondary surface;

  • other types: e.g. direct contact, heat pipe or fluidized bed, single fluid...

• Classification by heat transfer mode

  The three modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation) are coupled in most applications (combustion chamber, flue gas recovery, etc.), with one mode often predominating. For any heat exchanger with heat transfer through...