Buying a heat exchanger can feel overwhelming with many available types, designs, and applications to consider on the market. At Exergy, our Inside Sales Team help answer questions every day to assist customers in finding the right solution. Below, we’ll break down the most common questions buyers ask—so you can feel confident when choosing the best heat exchanger for your needs.
What is a heat exchanger, and how does it work?
At their core, heat exchangers transfer heat between two fluids. Energy from the warmer fluid is transferred to the cooler fluid within the heat exchanger itself, separated by a “process” and “service” side, without allowing the two fluids to mix. For example, a HX can cool a hot liquid through the tube side by passing a separate cold fluid through the shell side.
What types of heat exchangers are available?
The most common designs include:
- Shell and Tube – durable, widely used in industrial and high purity settings.
- Tube in tube – robust, welded design
- Plate Heat Exchangers (PHEs) – compact, efficient, lower cost option
- Finned Tube – compact, large surface area, typically cooling air, i.e. radiator, HVAC systems
Each type has its own benefits depending on the application.
How do I know which heat exchanger is right for my application?
This depends on factors like fluid types, temperatures, pressure, flow rates, and space constraints. Changing one variable or another can significantly reduce or increase the HX size for an application. Our Inside Sales team works directly with you to understand these details and recommend the best fit unit for your process.
What materials are heat exchangers made from?
Exergy specializes in 316L Stainless Steel heat exchangers, along with Hastelloy, Inconel, titanium, duplex steel with other special alloy options available.
Stainless steel, copper, nickel, and aluminum are also common for other HX manufacturers. Materials largely impact cost and performance. The choice depends on temperature, corrosion resistance, fluid compatibility, and overall operating conditions.
Is there a recommended maintenance schedule or cleaning method?
Maintenance varies by design and customer preference. Exergy recommends cleaning your heat exchangers the same way you would clean the other 316L SST components of the system. There are various methods such as CIP, SIP, using food grade ethanol, hot water + SST detergent, etc. Preventative maintenance in general will extend the lifespan of a HX and help to maintain efficiency.
What’s the typical lifespan of a heat exchanger?
Exergy heat exchangers will last 10–20 years or more depending on the fluids used and with regular maintenance. Material choice, operating conditions, and maintenance practices all influence longevity.
What fluids are best for heating or cooling?
Our Inside Sales team can help talk through the details of your application. Typically, pure water will provide the best heat transfer within it’s working range. Below 32F or above 212F water may not be recommended. Glycol mixtures, thermal or silicon-based oils, and various gases can be used as a heat transfer medium at temperatures beyond water’s working limits.
Can a heat exchanger handle multiple fluids?
Yes—many designs are built to handle multiple fluids at different temperatures, making them versatile for industries like HVAC, chemical processing, and food production. Your Exergy Sales team can help confirm if a specific model or application is suited for a range of fluids. Typically, if it flows it can be considered an option.
What safety factors should I consider?
Exergy can select the right model for your application, taking into consideration allowable working temperature and pressure limits of the suggested material, thermal stress, material compatibility, and/or any suggested installation guidelines. All of the above when properly taken into consideration will ensure safe installation, consistent operation and maintenance of our heat exchangers.
How do I get started with purchasing the right heat exchanger?
Start by discussing your specific application and system needs with our inside sales team. We’ll guide you through questions about flow rates, temperatures, pressure, any space limitations, etc. in order to recommend the ideal solution.
Conclusion
Heat exchangers are an investment and operating costs and total cost of ownership should be taken into consideration aside from the initial investment of the heat exchanger itself. Efficiency, reliability, and long-term cost savings are some of the benefits associated with Exergy heat exchangers when properly sized for an application. By asking the right questions—and getting answers from your Exergy Sales experts—you’ll find a solution tailored to your specific application.
