Understanding How Dimple Jackets Are Made
If you’re trying to choose a heat transfer surface to use in one of your applications, you’ve likely encountered dimple jackets as one of your options. Though dimple jackets are similar to other types of heat transfer surfaces, there are a few key differences, including the manufacturing process. Understanding how dimple jackets are made is helpful to know how they work and identify their best uses.
What Is a Dimple Jacket?
A dimple jacket is a type of heat transfer surface covered in regularly spaced indents, otherwise known as dimples. Dimple jackets consist of two layers of metal, between which a heating or cooling fluid is placed and flows to promote heating and cooling of the jacket, the tank, and its contents. The dimples on the surface of the jacket facilitate this heating and cooling by creating turbulence in the fluid as it flows through the jacket.
Dimple Jacket Manufacturing Process
A dimple jacket is manufactured by welding a thin, stainless steel sheet of metal to the surface of a metal tank. The process of spot welding attaches the two sheets to one another, creating the distinctive dimples of the dimple jacket. After the two sheets of metal have been welded together, pressurized water or another heating or cooling liquid will be injected between the two sheets. Dimple jackets can be manufactured in different patterns and pressures based on what is needed for a specific task or application.
When To Use a Dimple Jacket
Because of their heating and cooling versatility, as well as their versatility in terms of what shape or size objects they work on, dimple jackets can be used in a wide range of applications. They should not, however, be used in applications that require thermal cycling, the process of rapidly switching the temperature of the tank between two extremes.
Understanding how dimple jackets are made will help you to decide whether a dimple jacket is the right choice for your application. If you’re in the market for a dimple jacket or dimple jacket welding , CMPI can provide you with all the dimple jacket products and services you need, including custom fabrications.
