Heat Exchangers

Next Day Delivery

Available on most orders
Technical Knowledge

Experienced & dedicated staff
Competitive Pricing

To trade & retail customers
Huge Stock Range

1000s of products in stock today

If you require a Heat Exchanger for your installation LoCO2 Heat can help.

Heat exchangers play a crucial role in heating systems, enabling the efficient transfer of heat from one fluid to another and providing a hydronic break between primary and secondary systems, this can protect any new plant from contamination from old heating systems. Whether it's for residential, commercial, or industrial applications, these devices are integral to maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and ensuring optimal energy usage. Understanding their function and knowing how to size them correctly is essential for designing effective heating systems.

The primary purpose of a heat exchanger is to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy between two fluids that are at different temperatures, without allowing them to mix. In a heating system, the hot fluid, often water passes through one side of the heat exchanger, while the cooler fluid flows on the other side. As the fluids come into contact, heat is exchanged, resulting in the desired heating effect.

To size a heat exchanger properly, several key factors need to be considered:

Heat load requirement: Determining the heat load requirement is fundamental. It involves calculating the amount of heat energy necessary to achieve the desired temperature rise in the space being heated. Factors such as room size, insulation, climate conditions, and required temperature levels all contribute to determining the heat load.

Temperature difference: The temperature difference, or delta T, between the flow and return temperatures is a crucial parameter. It affects the heat transfer rate and determines the size of the heat exchanger required. A larger delta T generally results in a smaller heat exchanger, while a smaller delta T necessitates a larger one.

Flow rates: The flow rates of both the hot and cold fluids play a vital role in sizing a heat exchanger. The volumetric flow rate, typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or cubic meters per hour (m³/h), determines the heat exchange capacity. It is essential to ensure that the heat exchanger can handle the required flow rates without impeding the efficiency of the system.

Physical constraints: The available physical space and installation considerations are important when selecting a heat exchanger. Factors such as available footprint, pipe connections, and accessibility for maintenance should be taken into account.

Heat transfer characteristics: The specific heat transfer characteristics of the fluids involved must be considered. The thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and viscosity of the fluids influence the heat transfer rate and, consequently, the size and design of the heat exchanger.

Efficiency requirements: Depending on the system's energy efficiency goals, selecting an appropriate heat exchanger design is crucial. Different types of heat exchangers, such as shell and tube, plate and frame, or finned tube exchangers, offer varying levels of heat transfer efficiency and pressure drop.

The technical sales team at LoCO2 Heat can discuss these requirements with you so they can quote a bespoke heat exchanger for your application. Give the team a call today 01884 253 444 or email the team today

Sign up to our Mailing List

And be the first to find out about all our latest news and offers