A recuperator is a heat exchanger with two flows of different medium, which are not mixed, while the hot medium transfers thermal energy to the cold one. The efficiency of heat transfer depends on the temperature, area of heat transfer surface of the separating elements and the speed of motion of the flow that can move in one direction (co flow), towards each other (counterflow) or in perpendicular directions (cross-flow).
OPT recuperators
The new generation OPT recuperator has its own distinctive features that ensure high efficiency. They have modular design, and the modules are assembled from steel panels with fins. The fins increase the heat transfer surface and can create pressure drop to reduce the speed of the medium.
Recuperator design and operation
A module may have a different number of channels for medium to pass. Channels for the heated and heated environment alternate, their number affects the characteristics and performance of the unit , namely, the more panels installed in the module, the better the heat transfer is, and the higher the temperature of the heated medium one may get.
The basic values for calculating the heat exchanger are the temperature of the medium at the entrance to the module. The module can create different conditions for heat transfer, namely, the change in performance is achieved by increasing and decreasing the number of plates (and channels), the cross section of the channels, as well as changes in the flow velocity.
OPT recuperators can operate with different types of medium, including gas-gas, gas-liquid, air-to-air, etc. Depending on the type of medium and operating conditions, different steel grades can be used for the manufacture of panels, ensuring the maximum possible lifetime of the heat exchanger. If necessary, repair is carried out by replacing the plates or the module completely. Repairs or maintenance does not require special knowledge and use of special equipment, since the weight and dimensions of the heat exchanger are significantly less compared to conventional heat exchangers.
The use of recuperators in private and industrial enterprises considered to be a rational solution, the installation of such equipment allows achieving significant savings on energy and increases the efficiency of technological processes due to heat recovery.
