Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger
An Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger (ACHE) is a high-efficiency cooling solution designed to dissipate heat from process fluids using ambient air instead of water. This makes ACHEs particularly valuable in industries where water resources are limited or costly. These exchangers are widely used in refineries, petrochemical plants, power plants, and industrial cooling systems, ensuring effective heat dissipation while reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
At Rahavard Saei, we manufacture custom-engineered Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers, built to API 661 and ASME Sec VIII standards, ensuring optimal thermal performance, mechanical integrity, and durability. Our heat exchangers are designed to withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications.
Key Features & Benefits
- Water-Free Cooling Solution – Eliminates water consumption, reducing operational costs and environmental impact
- High Thermal Efficiency – Uses finned heat transfer tubes to maximize heat dissipation
- Durable & High-Pressure Rated – Designed to operate at pressures up to 6000 psi and temperatures from -250°C to 800°C
- Flexible Fan Configurations – Available in forced-draft (blower) and induced-draft (suction) configurations for optimal airflow control
- Corrosion-Resistant Construction – Built from stainless steel, carbon steel, and specialized alloys for longevity
- Low Maintenance & Long Service Life – No water treatment required, reducing scaling, fouling, and maintenance needs
Mechanisms and Diverse Applications
Industries
Oil & Gas
Used in refineries, gas plants, and pipeline cooling applications
Chemical & Petrochemical
Ensuring safe heat dissipation for volatile and corrosive fluids
Renewable Energy
Applied in solar thermal plants, geothermal power plants, and biofuel production
Power & Energy
Supporting steam cycle cooling, turbine condensers, and waste heat recovery
Marine & Offshore
Providing seawater-independent cooling solutions for offshore drilling and ship engine cooling
How It Works
An Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger consists of heat transfer tubes with external fins, designed to increase surface area and enhance heat dissipation. Instead of using water as a cooling medium, ambient air is forced or drawn over the tubes by industrial-grade fans, allowing heat to escape efficiently.
Key Components & Functions
- Finned Heat Transfer Tubes – Enhance heat dissipation by increasing surface area for airflow contact.
- Air Distribution Plenum – Ensures even airflow distribution across the heat exchanger surface.
- Fans & Drive System – Generates controlled airflow for heat removal, available in forced-draft or induced-draft configurations.
- Tube Bundle & Headers – Holds and channels process fluids through high-efficiency finned tubes.
- Frame & Support Structure – Provides rigid mounting and protection for heat exchanger components.
During operation, the hot process fluid flows through the finned tubes, while ambient air is drawn or pushed across the tube bundle by large industrial fans. The air absorbs heat from the tubes and releases it into the atmosphere, allowing the fluid inside to cool down without requiring water-based cooling systems.
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