Publications

This article was presented at the November 9th, 1999 "Latest Advances in Offshore Processing" conference in Aberdeen, Scotland. Heat exchangers are usually classified by the compactness factor in m²/m³ and it is generally accepted that values greater than 700 m²/m³ characterize compact equipment. Although shell-and-tube exchangers can have high compactness factor, compact heat exchangers are often referred to as non-tubular devices. This paper describes an advanced shell-and-tube heat exchanger using twisted tubes. Recent advances in the range of design and operational reliability have made twisted tube heat exchangers attractive in various industries, including offshore application. Taking into account size and convenience considerations, these exchangers can be cost-effective in a wider range of applications than the niches currently being used in the process industry.