Hairpin heat exchangers utilize true counter-current flow to which maximizes the temperature differences between the shellside and the tubeside fluids, resulting in less surface area required for a given duty. Hairpin / Double pipe exchangers differ from traditional multi-pass Shell and Tube designs where correction factors are used to account for the inefficiencies resulting from co-current passes.

Hairpin / Double Pipe exchangers are especially suitable for extreme temperature crossing, high pressure, high temperature, and low to moderate surface area requirements. So 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.

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 typically range from 2” to 6”.

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

If you have any questions about how a hairpin / double pipe exchangers will benefit your application please contact us: 1-888-226-8522