SPIRAL technology
Fully welded single-channel heat exchangers for fouling fluids, sludge, slurries, viscous media and industrial heat recovery.
Working principle
Two metal plates are rolled into separate concentric spiral passages. One fluid flows from the center toward the outside while the second counter-flows in the adjacent channel. Each medium follows one continuous path. At maintained flow, a local restriction can increase local velocity, but actual flow depends on pump head and pressure loss; fouling and cleaning requirements must still be evaluated.
How it works · 3D animation
360° interactive view: Drag the model to inspect it from every angle.
Open the covers, follow two separate counter-current passages, and explore how deposits affect the channel and why cleaning access matters.
Conceptual liquid–liquid configuration. Channel spacing and internal details are enlarged for clarity. Flow-assisted scouring depends on the fluid, deposits and available pumping head; it does not replace inspection or cleaning. Actual closures, connections and service access follow the project design.
SPIRAL DESIGN & SELECTION
A spiral exchanger is defined by its passage geometry, not just its round shell. The following design principles explain what to review for a HEXNOVAS enquiry; the supplied configuration is confirmed during engineering.
In a conventional two-channel liquid/liquid core, each medium follows a continuous passage. It cannot simply divert into a neighbouring parallel channel when deposits develop. Flow rate, viscosity and available pumping head still determine whether useful wall shear is maintained.
A wider gap provides more clearance but can reduce velocity at the same flow rate. Plate width, passage length and spacer layout must therefore be considered together. Fibres can catch on internal supports; stud-free dirty-side arrangements are a design-specific option to assess, not a feature of every spiral exchanger.
The sweeping action of flowing liquid can limit some deposits. It does not guarantee removal of mineral scale, sticky layers or trapped debris. Check minimum flow and operating pressure drop, and define a cleaning trigger rather than promising maintenance-free service.
| Duty | Design question | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid / liquid | Two spiral passages | Used to exchange heat between process liquids. Counter-current operation can support close outlet temperatures; required area and pressure drop still depend on the duty. |
| Vacuum condensation | A different vapour-side path | A large vapour volume may need a short cross-flow path with cooling liquid in the spiral passage. Do not assume a liquid/liquid core is suitable for deep vacuum. |
| Mixed-vapour service | Condensation, venting and drainage | Combined cross-flow and spiral arrangements are another design approach. Review non-condensable gases, condensate removal and any required subcooling before choosing a configuration. |
Where removable covers are specified, allow space for opening, lifting and cleaning equipment. Cover-handling aids and isolation arrangements belong in the layout review. Confirm which channel surfaces are accessible; a welded closure does not provide the same access.
Chemical cleaning must suit the deposit, metal and seal materials. Mechanical cleaning must suit the approved channel construction.
Sludge heating needs solids and fibre information as well as temperature duty. Effluent recovery needs seasonal flows and fouling history. Slurry heating needs viscosity over the operating range, particle size and deposition behaviour.
For condensers, also provide vapour composition, operating pressure, allowable pressure loss and non-condensable gas content.
Manufacturing & service access
Explore the plate preparation, winding and assembly details behind the spiral construction.
Spacer studs support the channel spacing when the plates are wound into a spiral core.
The prepared plate is formed into the curved geometry that creates the continuous passages.
The open core shows the plate winding, channel spacing and internal supports.
The shell, peripheral connections and central passage are brought together around the wound core.
The circular cover closes the exchanger face, with fasteners arranged around its perimeter.
Removing the cover exposes the accessible channel face. The opposite circuit is accessed from the other side.
A workshop view of the wound core before the exchanger is fully enclosed.
The assembled exchanger during workshop fabrication, with its cover and support feet visible.
Open faces provide a view of the spiral passages, central partitions and cover flanges.
Why this technology
Product configuration
APPLICATION EXAMPLES
Three illustrative engineering scenarios for project discussions. These are application examples, not records of completed HEXNOVAS installations or measured results.
WASTEWATER & BIOGAS
A sludge circulation heater must deliver heat while handling solids and remaining accessible for cleaning.
Evaluate a liquid/liquid spiral with independently accessible passages. For a retrofit, check the pump operating point, nozzle locations and cover-opening space before choosing the replacement.
CHEMICAL PROCESSING
A process cooler must meet the outlet-temperature target without overlooking corrosion, deposits or changing viscosity.
Assess a two-passage counter-current spiral. For acid service, choose the metal and cover seals from the actual composition and operating conditions; the equipment shape alone does not establish suitability.
DISTILLATION & CONDENSATION
A vacuum condenser must manage vapour volume, drainage and non-condensable gas removal within a limited pressure-drop budget.
Evaluate a short vapour path with cross-flow and a separate spiral cooling circuit. This differs from the two-liquid spiral shown in the animation. Include a vent route and check whether a separate subcooling duty is needed.
Public industry references describe these service types; they do not establish HEXNOVAS project experience or guaranteed performance.
Gooch Thermal: wastewater applicationsGooch Thermal: process applicationsGooch Thermal: flow configurationsSelection information
Provide both fluid compositions and flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, allowable pressure drop, viscosity, solids or fiber content, particle size, fouling tendency, cleaning method, design conditions and material requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Each fluid follows a continuous channel with few stagnant zones. A local restriction raises velocity through that area, which can reduce deposition compared with flow paths that allow bypass.
Yes, selected channel gaps and removable-cover arrangements can suit sludge, fibers, suspended solids and wastewater. Particle size, solids content, viscosity and cleaning method are required for selection.
Cleaning depends on construction and deposit type. Options can include chemical circulation, flushing and mechanical access through removable covers. The cleaning plan should be defined before final design.
Provide fluid composition, solids or fiber content, particle size, viscosity, flow rates, temperatures, allowable pressure drop, fouling tendency, design conditions and material requirements.
Product documentation
Use the published catalogue for product-range reference. Final dimensions, ratings and materials are confirmed for the selected model and operating duty.
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