Heat Exchanger Flow: Cross flow, Parallel flow, Counter Flow Heat Exchangers

A heat exchanger can have several different flow patterns. Crossflow, parallel flow, and counterflow heat exchanger configurations are three examples. A counterflow heat exchanger will require less heat exchange surface area than a parallel flow heat exchanger for the same heat transfer rate and the same inlet and outlet temperatures for the fluids. This is because the log mean temperature difference is greater for a counterflow heat exchanger. A double pipe heat exchanger will usually be counterflow, but may also be parallel flow. Car radiators and air conditioner evaporator coils are crossflow heat exchangers. A shell and tube heat exchanger is often approximately counterflow.