How does a shell-and-tube evaporator work?

A shell-and-tube evaporator operates in the following manner:

The refrigerant enters the shell side of the evaporator. The fluid to be cooled (such as water or a process fluid) flows through the tubes. 

As the refrigerant vaporizes and absorbs heat from the fluid in the tubes, it causes the fluid temperature to drop. The heat transfer occurs through the tube walls. 

The vaporized refrigerant exits the shell side. The cooled fluid exits the tubes and is ready for further use or processing. 

The design of the tubes, baffles, and refrigerant flow paths is optimized to ensure efficient heat transfer and proper evaporation of the refrigerant. 

The process is controlled to maintain the desired cooling effect and operating conditions. 

This allows the shell-and-tube evaporator to play a crucial role in various cooling applications in industries such as refrigeration, HVAC, and process cooling.