Definition and Working Principle of a Volumetric Heat Exchanger

Definition and Working Principle of a Volumetric Heat Exchanger

Volumetric heat exchangers, a device that facilitates heat exchange by alternating the flow of cold and hot fluids over a heat storage medium (filler), are also known as surface heat exchangers. Their operating principle primarily relies on inter-wall heat exchange, where cold and hot fluids are separated by solid walls and heat is exchanged through these walls.

This heat exchanger is an improved version of the standard float-tube heat exchanger, enhanced by increasing its volume. It consists of multiple parts, including the main body, steam coil assembly, steam inlets and outlets, cold water inlets and outlets, as well as a hot water outlet. Additionally, its inner surface is coated with a high-temperature melting corrosion-resistant alloy layer, designed to enhance its corrosion and high-temperature resistance, making it particularly suitable for hot water supply systems.

Due to its nature as a pressure vessel, the volumetric heat exchanger is capable of withstanding pressure based on actual usage requirements. It can be categorized into floating coil heat exchangers and U-tube heat exchangers according to the different forms of the heat exchange tubes. From a product appearance perspective, there are vertical and horizontal types of volumetric heat exchangers available for selection.

2. Detailed Workflow of Volumetric Heat Exchangers

The working principle of a volumetric heat exchanger, in short, is to exchange heat between high-temperature media (such as water or steam) and low-temperature media (such as water) through the wall of the heat exchange tubes. During this process, the low-temperature medium is gradually heated to the required predetermined temperature. Specifically, the cold water at the bottom of the equipment is heated and transformed into suitable domestic hot water, which then flows out through the outlet at the top of the device.

3. The Advantages of Volume-type Heat Exchangers Over Plate-type Heat Exchangers

Volumetric heat exchangers offer distinct advantages over plate heat exchangers: Firstly, they have a simple structure and are easy to operate and maintain; secondly, they are more cost-effective, catering to the needs of various users; thirdly, due to their direct contact heat exchange method, they achieve higher heat exchange efficiency and more significant results; in addition, volumetric heat exchangers also feature a long service life and strong corrosion resistance.

1) The volumetric heat exchanger not only provides heat exchange capabilities but also features thermal storage. It has a large storage capacity, enabling pre-heating and allowing hot water to be stored within the exchanger. As the heating time extends, the hourly thermal consumption of the heating medium gradually decreases its peak.

2) This heat exchanger is particularly suitable for buildings with high hot water consumption and uneven water usage, such as the domestic water systems in hotels.