What type of heat exchanger is used in the oil heat exchanger?

The shell and tube heat exchanger is the correct type used in the oil heat exchanger due to its efficient design for handling high-pressure liquids and gases. This configuration consists of a series of tubes, with one set carrying the oil and the other transporting a cooling or heating fluid. The design allows for a large surface area for heat transfer, making it highly effective in both heating and cooling applications.

Shell and tube heat exchangers can withstand the mechanical stresses and corrosive effects of the oil, making them ideal for applications in gas turbine systems where reliable thermal management is crucial. Their ability to handle high flow rates and provide a compact heat exchange solution in various industrial settings is another advantage.

Other designs, such as plate and frame or double pipe, while also effective in certain scenarios, typically do not offer the same level of robustness and heat transfer capability needed for the demands of an oil heat exchanger in gas turbine systems. Air-cooled systems are entirely different in operation and are used mainly in applications where water is not readily available for cooling, which does not apply in this context.