Heat Exchange Institute
The Heat Exchange Institute (HEI) is a non-profit trade association committed to the technical advancement, promotion, and understanding of a broad range of utility and industrial-scale heat exchange and vacuum apparatus.
HEI
Technical Resources
HEI members are committed to helping educate the industry. Tech Sheets and Standards remain the primary tools to benefit the broader industry.
About Heat Exchange Institute
The heat exchange industry encompasses a wide range of technologies and equipment that facilitate the transfer of heat between different mediums. These processes are critical for industries such as power generation, chemical processing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), refrigeration, and various manufacturing processes. Heat exchangers are designed to efficiently transfer thermal energy from one fluid (liquid or gas) to another without mixing the two fluids. Key components in this industry include deaerators, steam surface condensers, and other specialized heat exchange equipment.
The heat exchange industry plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency, reducing operational costs, and ensuring the reliability of systems in various sectors. Technologies such as deaerators and steam surface condensers are integral to the smooth operation of power plants and other energy-intensive industries. As global demand for energy efficiency and sustainability continues to rise, the heat exchange sector is expected to innovate and evolve to meet these challenges.
Key Heat Exchange Equipment
Heat Exchangers
Heat exchangers are the core components used in heat exchange systems. They work on the principle of thermal conduction and convective heat transfer to move heat from one fluid to another. The two most common types are:
- Shell-and-tube heat exchangers: Common in industries where high pressure and temperature differences exist, such as in power plants and refineries.
- Plate heat exchangers: Made up of multiple thin plates stacked together, these are often used in industries where space is limited and efficiency is paramount, like in HVAC systems or food processing.
Deaerators
A deaerator is a crucial component in steam generation systems, especially in power plants, petrochemical plants, and refineries. Its purpose is to remove dissolved gases, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide, from feedwater before it enters the boiler. This is critical because dissolved gases can cause corrosion in the boiler and associated equipment. Deaerators are typically used in steam cycles to ensure the water entering the steam boiler is free from gases that could cause scaling, corrosion, and other operational issues.
Steam Surface Condensers
A steam surface condenser is used in power plants and other systems that utilize steam turbines. It serves as the component that cools and condenses the exhaust steam from a steam turbine back into liquid water, which can be reused in the system. This process is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of steam cycles.
- Functionality: In a surface condenser, steam from the turbine passes over a series of tubes through which cooling water flows. As the steam comes in contact with the cooler tubes, it condenses back into water. The condensed water (or condensate) is then returned to the boiler for reuse.
- Efficiency considerations: Surface condensers are typically designed to operate with minimal cooling water temperature rise, maximizing heat transfer efficiency.
Air Cooled Heat Exchangers
These are used in applications where water availability is limited or not preferred. Instead of water, ambient air is used to cool the fluid inside the heat exchanger. These systems typically feature finned tubes and large fans to enhance heat transfer between the fluid and the air.
- Applications: Common in areas with water scarcity or where water treatment is expensive or challenging (e.g., offshore platforms, desert environments).
Our Members
American Exchanger Services, Inc.
BWXT D.C. Fabricators, LLC
Croll Reynolds Company, Inc.
Gardner Denver Nash
Graham Corporation
Holtec International
Kansas City Deaerator Company
Kelvion, Inc.
Maarky Thermal Systems
SPG Dry Cooling
Sterling Deaerator Company
