Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers (ACHE)
1. What Is an Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger (ACHE)?
Air-cooled heat exchangers (ACHEs) transfer heat from process fluids directly to ambient air through finned-tube bundles, eliminating cooling-water consumption and water-treatment requirements. HACST designs modular forced-draft or induced-draft solutions for oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation and industrial process cooling. Materials, fan control, bundle arrangement and access platforms can be engineered for the fluid, design temperature, pressure, climate and applicable project standards, including API 661 requirements when specified.Explore industrial ACHE product, review HACST project cases, or request an engineering review.Air-Cooled Heat Exchanger SelectionWhat information is needed?Share process fluid, flow, inlet and outlet temperatures, pressure, design ambient, materials, fans and standards.Can it meet API 661?ACHE packages can be engineered around API 661 requirements when specified by the project or end user.
2. How It Works
Hot water from the system is pumped to the top of the tower and distributed evenly over the fill media (heat exchange surface). As the water flows downward through the fill, a fan draws ambient air upward or across the tower. A small portion of the water evaporates, absorbing heat from the remaining water and lowering its temperature. The cooled water is then collected in the cold water basin at the bottom and returned to the system.
3. Key Features
- High heat transfer efficiency through direct water-air contact
- Simple structure and relatively low initial cost
- Effective cooling even in high ambient temperatures
- Suitable for large-scale heat rejection
4. Common Applications
Open cooling towers are commonly used in power plants, chemical processing, steel manufacturing, HVAC systems, data centers, and various industrial processes where large volumes of water need to be cooled economically.
While highly efficient and cost-effective, open cooling towers expose the process water to the atmosphere, which may lead to water loss through evaporation and drift, as well as potential scaling, corrosion, and bacterial growth (such as Legionella). Regular water treatment and maintenance are therefore essential.
5. Why Choose HACST?
40+ years of industry experience with strong R&D capability (20+ engineers, 10+ invention patents, cooperation with Shandong University and Xi’an Jiaotong University)
Internationally certified: ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, CTI, CE, TÜV, BV, SGS, AS1210, and more
Professional international trade team of over 40 members, fluent in multiple languages
Full support for standard and highly customized solutions (OEM/ODM)
“HACST” and “Hengan” brands are well-recognized worldwide. Our equipment has been exported to over 100 countries and regions and serves as a trusted partner for global companies such as Coca-Cola, Mayekawa, Emerson, SRF, Hamon, and many others.
With strict quality control and comprehensive after-sales service, we are committed to providing reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly cooling solutions.
Welcome to contact us for inquiries or customized requirements. HACST looks forward to being your long-term partner!
Our Customers
Our Certificates
Some of Our Projects
Our Workshop
