2. Temperature Profiles in Heat Transfer Equipments

Since higher mean \(\Delta T\) between the fluids is possible with countercurrent, this arrangement leads to the requirement of reduced heat exchanger size in comparison to cocurrent.

To achieve greater heat recovery, a counter-current design is preferred to that of a co-current design.

If we want to ensure that the temperature of the cold fluid never exceeds a particular temperature, then co-current exchanger designs are advantageous.

Suppose one of the two interacting fluids is undergoing a phase change due to the heat transfer (e.g.: condensation of saturated steam), then both designs are identical.