In a baffled shell and tube heat exchanger, where does ammonia refrigerant flow?

In a baffled shell and tube heat exchanger, the ammonia refrigerant flows through the tubes. This design facilitates efficient heat transfer between the refrigerant and the fluid in the shell, as the refrigerant moves inside the tubular sections where it can absorb or release heat. The shells often contain another fluid that moves around the tubes, allowing for heat exchange through the tube walls. This arrangement not only optimizes the surface area for heat transfer but also helps maintain the desired flow path by preventing short-circuiting of the fluids, which is essential for maximizing efficiency. As a result, the refrigerant's path through the tubes is crucial for the heat exchanger's performance.