Dimensioning and assemblying of brazed aluminium heat exchanger for needs of agricultural process plants

Abstract

Heat exchangers used in agricultural processes are mainly manufactured by three technologies: brazed copper-brass, mechanically assembled aluminum and brazed aluminum. The appropriate choice depends on various criteria: price, weight, corrosion resistance, performance in a limited volume, required pressure drops, temperature resistance, reliability, etc. Brazed aluminum is increasingly popular due to several advantages, such as resistance to high pressure and temperatures. Aluminum heat exchangers can be exposed to external and internal corrosion in various environmental conditions. Corrosion has a negative impact on the mechanical integrity and thermal performance of heat exchangers. Therefore, specific operating design parameters, as well as mechanical design characteristics, are of great importance for consideration in construction. Proper selection and design can ensure the successful and safe operation of the heat exchanger and the plant itself. The HVAC industry is directed towards the search for the best solutions in order to increase the performance, energy efficiency and durability of the equipment while reducing the costs of their production. Aluminum pipes and other aluminum components are increasingly replacing copper pipes. In this paper, application, design, assembling process and operation considerations for brazed aluminum heat exchangers used for needs in agricultural processes have presented.