HAIR PIN TYPE HEAT EXCHANGER

1. Hairpin heat exchangers utilize true counter-current flow, which maximizes the temperature
differences between the shellside and the tubeside fluids, unlike the multi-pass Shell and Tube designs
where correction factors are used to account for the inefficiencies resulting from co-current passes.

2. When your process calls for a temperature cross (when the hot fluid outlet temperature is below the
cold fluid outlet temperature), a hairpin heat exchanger is the most efficient design and will result in
fewer sections and less surface area.

3. Double-pipe heat exchangers use a single pipe within a pipe design and are commonly used for high
fouling services such as slurries, where abrasive materials are present, and for smaller duties.
Standard shell diameters range from 2” to 6”.

4. Multi-tube heat exchangers are used for larger duties with standard designs established for shell
diameters up to 30”; with surface area in excess of 10,000 ft² per section.

Koch Heat Transfer (formerly Brown Fintube) has avariety of unique enhancement devices for different
process conditions.

When to use Hairpin Heat Exchangers

A hairpin heat exchanger should be considered when one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. The process results in a temperature cross

A temperature cross exists when the outlet temperature of the cold fluid is higher than the
outlet temperature of the hot fluid. The 1 pass tubeside, 1 pass shellside countercurrent flow
of a hairpin results in fewer shells than 2-pass tubeside, 1 pass shellside conventional shell
& tube designs.
A temperature cross is desired- Sometimes process engineers increase the flow rates of utility fluids
(cooling water, hot oil, etc.) to avoid a temperature cross, or they will
split the duty to different exchangers with different utility fluids. By
using countercurrent flow, the flow rate of the utility fluid can often be
reduced saving pumping costs and utility fluid allocation. Also,
multiple shell and tube exchangers can be combined into single
hairpin sections saving installation and operating costs.

2. High pressure tubeside application

3. A low allowable pressure drop is required on one side
4. Cyclic service
5. High flow rate ratios between shellside and tubeside fluids
6. High terminal temperature differences (300°F or greater)
7. When an augmentation device will enhance the heat transfer coefficient
8. When the exchanger is subject to thermal shock
9. When flow induced vibration may be a problem
10. When heating or cooling vapours
11. When complete vaporization is required
12. When solids are present in the process stream
13. When the mechanical advantages of a hairpin are preferred

Construction Considerations :
All connections are on the same end – Shell and tube designs with single pass shells have connections
on both ends making piping more complex and costly.

No expansion joints – All thermal expansion is taken in the U-bends, no expansion joints are needed.