Place of Origin:
China
Brand Name:
YUHONG
Certification:
ASME PTC 30 / API Standard 661
Model Number:
Forced Draft ACHE
ACHE Overview
Air cooled heat exchanger (ACHE) is a heat exchange device that uses ambient air as a cooling medium to remove heat. Its core feature is that it does not require the consumption of process cooling water and achieves cooling through indirect heat transfer between air and high-temperature fluids (liquids or gases), belonging to the "dry cooling" technology.
Core principle of Air Cooler
1. Heat transfer method
· High temperature process fluids (such as lubricating oil, hot water, steam, process gases, etc.) flow in a closed tube side; The ambient air is forced to flow over the surface of the outer fins of the tube under the drive of the fan. Heat is transferred from the fluid to the air through the tube walls and fins, and the air is discharged into the atmosphere after heating up. No phase change: only sensible heat exchange occurs (air temperature rises), without involving water evaporation (different from "wet" cooling towers).
· Indirect contact: Air and process fluid are isolated by metal walls to avoid contamination.
2. Core structure "finned tube"
· Aluminum/copper fins are tightly embedded outside the tube to increase the heat transfer area on the air side (due to poor air thermal conductivity, area compensation needs to be expanded).
· Common types: winding finned tube, brazed plate finned tube (compact type, used for gas cooling)
How It Works
· Hot process fluid flows through the tubes.
· Air flows over the finned surface of the tubes (forced or pulled by fans).
· Heat is transferred from the fluid to the fins, then to the air.
· Cooled fluid exits the exchanger; hot air is expelled to the atmosphere.
Basic Components of an ACHE
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Tube Bundle | Tubes with external fins to increase heat transfer area. |
| Fins | Usually aluminum; help dissipate heat faster by enlarging the surface area. |
| Fans | Axial flow fans driven by electric motors or gearboxes; push or pull air across the tubes. |
| Headers | Distribute the process fluid into the tubes and collect it afterward. |
| Plenum Chamber | Duct that directs airflow from the fan to the finned tubes (in forced draft) or from tubes to fan (in induced draft). |
| Structure | Steel support for tubes, fans, motors, and walkways. |
Types of ACHEs
| Type | Air Flow Method | Fan Position | Key Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forced Draft | Air pushed up | Fans below tubes | Easier fan maintenance |
| Induced Draft | Air pulled up | Fans above tubes | Better efficiency in hot climates |
| Natural Draft | No fans | Chimney effect | Low-maintenance, remote areas |
| A-Frame / V-Type | Angled surfaces | Compact layout | Skid-mounted or space-constrained systems |
| Adiabatic/Hybrid | Dry + misting | Enhanced cooling | High ambient temp areas |
Design Standards & Codes of Air-cooled Heat Exchanger
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| API 661 | Design & construction standard for ACHEs in refineries and petrochemical plants |
| ASME PTC 30 | Performance testing code for ACHEs |
| ASME Section VIII Div. 1 | For pressure-containing components like header boxes |
Advantages of Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers
· No water required – ideal for arid regions
· Lower operational cost – no water treatment or cooling tower needed
· Environmentally friendly – no thermal or chemical discharge
· Modular and scalable – units can be added as cooling demand increases
Typical Application Scenarios of ACHE
· Power industry: gas turbine lubricating oil cooling, generator hydrogen cooling.
· Petrochemical/chemical industry: reactor outlet cooling, compressor inter stage cooling, hydrocarbon condensation.
· Metallurgical industry: hydraulic system cooling for rolling mills, supporting cooling for furnaces.
· Manufacturing industry: hydraulic oil cooling for injection molding machines, post cooling for air compressors.
· Renewable energy: solar thermal power generation, molten salt cooling, biomass power generation system.
· Project in arid regions: Cooling of factories and mining equipment in water scarce areas.
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