The size of the tubes in a heat exchanger determines the efficiency of the device.
A tube bank is a type of heat exchanger, a device designed to allow fluids or gases to be heated or cooled, as needed. Tube banks are used in a wide variety of locations and this heat exchanger design is very popular throughout the world. Various manufacturers produce tube banks for various applications, and it is also possible for individuals to design and install a custom fixture for a specific configuration or application with special requirements.
An air conditioning system may use heat exchangers in the form of banks of tubes.
The tube bank consists of a series of tubes that are bathed in a fluid. The materials moving through the tubes can be cooled by the fluid as it absorbs heat, or heated by the fluid as it radiates heat, depending on the desired effect. Depending on how many tubes are present and the size of the tube bank, the efficiency of the device varies.
Air conditioning, refrigeration and radiator systems use heat exchangers, and these can take the form of banks of tubes. Tube banks are also used in industrial applications like chemical plants where people want to heat or cool materials for processing. Some home heating systems are based on pipe bank designs and can also be used in solar water heating arrays and many other settings. In many environments where a heat exchanger is required, a tube bank can be used.
The size of the tubes determines the efficiency of heat exchange. Small tubes are more efficient as there is less material to cool or heat. The materials used to make the tubes can vary depending on the materials to be transported and the environment. It may be necessary to use non-corrosive materials, heat resistant materials, or other specialized materials to operate the tube bank safely and successfully. Pipe size and material of construction are considered during the design phase to ensure the pipe bank meets needs.
Over time, the lining of pipes can become clogged or fouled with materials left behind by materials passing through them. These devices need to be serviced to allow people to clean them regularly to keep them working properly. It may also be necessary to periodically replace the tubes, depending on the types of materials to be conveyed. Leaks in a pipe bank can become catastrophic and it is especially important to ensure that the device is checked regularly for early signs of a leak.