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An air-cooled heat exchanger, or simply an air cooler, is a device that uses a power-driven impeller to rotate, generating vortexes that draw air in. Using ambient air as the cooling medium, it exchanges heat between the air flowing across the finned tubes and the high-temperature process fluid within them, achieving cooling or condensation.
Fin fan coolers come in a wide variety of types, each shaped by its structure, installation method, and cooling and ventilation methods.
① Based on the tube bundle layout and installation method, fin fan coolers can be categorized as horizontal or tilted-top types. Horizontal air coolers are primarily used for cooling, while tilted-top types are suitable for a variety of condensation and cooling applications.
② Based on ventilation method, fin fan coolers are categorized as forced-draft and induced-draft types. Forced-draft air coolers have their fans located below the tube bundle, with air delivered to the tube bundle by an axial fan. In induced-draft air coolers, on the other hand, the fans are located above the tube bundle, with air flowing from top to bottom.
③ Based on cooling method, fin fan coolers can be categorized as dry or wet. Dry air coolers mainly rely on continuous air supply from fans for cooling; wet air coolers enhance heat exchange through water spraying or atomization. Their cooling efficiency is higher than that of dry air coolers, but care must be taken to prevent tube bundle corrosion to extend the life of the air cooler.
I. Fin Fan Cooler Main Structure
① Tube Bundle: A meticulously assembled system consisting of the tube box, heat exchange tubes, tube bundle side members, and support beams.
② Fan: Contains key components such as the hub, blades, fan duct, bracket, and drive mechanism, forming the fan system.
③ Louver: Composed of louvers, adjustment mechanisms, and louver side members, it regulates air flow.
④ Frame: A sturdy steel structure that supports the tube bundle, fan, louvers, and related accessories.
⑤ Air Box: An assembly designed specifically to direct air and ensure smooth airflow.
II. Definition of the Fin Fan Cooler Tube Bundle
The tube bundle begins at the first flange sealing surface where the tube box connects to the external pipe, and ends at the first threaded joint where the tube box connects to the external pipe. This definition clearly defines the basic structure of the tube bundle and its position within the overall system.
III. Common Structures of Fin Fan Cooler Tube Bundles and Tube Boxes
After defining the scope of the tube bundle, let’s further explore the typical structures of tube bundles and tube boxes. These structures not only affect the performance of the tube bundle but are also crucial to its overall system performance.
