Thermaline's double-tube, triple-tube, and multi-tube heat exchanger are widely used in the processing industry to process fluids with particulates, fibers and high viscosities. Thermaline's proprietary corrugation process is used to impress a heat transfer pattern the entire length of each tube creating an efficient heat exchanger. The corrugation depth and pitch can be altered according to the necessity of each process.

Find answers to common questions below, or ask a new question about your corrugated tube heat exchanger. If you are considering a corrugated tube heat exchanger contact our applications team so that we can work with you to provide the most performant, economic solution for your plant.

Corrugated tube

Can I replace an existing tube with a new one?

Yes. Thermaline can replace individual tubes or entire tube skids built by most tubular heat exchanger manufacturers.

What flow rate should I use for CIP?

The recommended CIP flow rate is 150% of the product flow rate.

If a seal fails, will my product cross contaminate?

No. All Thermaline floating style tubular heat exchangers are designed to leak externally in the even of seal failure. Not only does this prevent cross contamination, it also is an immediate indicator that the seal has failed.

How often do seals need to be replaced?

Seal replacement depends vastly on the product and process. Thermaline recommends keeping 10% of the required quantity of seals on hand at all times in case of seal failure. If multiple seals fail within a short period of time, then it is recommended that all of the seals are replaced. 

Why Corrugation?

The heat exchanger surface is shaped into turbulence-inducing, alternating parallel grooves and ridges to increase heat transfer efficiency. Inducing turbulent flow results in less total surface area required to achieve the desired thermal results. Turbulent flow promotes thorough mixing of the product and even thermal disbursement without compromising product integrity.