Heat exchangers can be classified into different types based on their construction, flow arrangement, and application. Here are some common classifications of heat exchangers:

Construction: Heat exchangers can be classified based on their construction into the following types:

Shell and tube heat exchangers

Plate heat exchangers

Finned tube heat exchangers

Spiral heat exchangers

Air-cooled heat exchangers

Flow Arrangement: Heat exchangers can also be classified based on the flow arrangement of the fluids being exchanged. The most common types of flow arrangements are:

Parallel-flow heat exchangers

Counter-flow heat exchangers

Cross-flow heat exchangers

Application: Heat exchangers can also be classified based on their application. Some common types of heat exchangers based on application are:

HVAC heat exchangers

Refrigeration heat exchangers

Boiler heat exchangers

Process heat exchangers

Heat Transfer Mechanism: Heat exchangers can also be classified based on the mechanism of heat transfer between the fluids being exchanged. The most common types of heat transfer mechanisms are:

Conduction heat exchangers

Convection heat exchangers

Radiation heat exchangers

The type of heat exchanger used in a particular application depends on several factors such as the type of fluid being exchanged, temperature and pressure requirements, available space, and cost considerations.

Shell and tube heat exchangers