Some thoughts of Meilong Jushi on the current heat exchanger industry

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During these years of a generally unfavorable industrial environment, the reshuffling of the industry has led to the elimination of a large number of \"backyard\" heat exchanger manufacturers that had low technical standards and poor product quality. Those companies that placed great emphasis on research and development managed to overcome these challenges; some Chinese companies even narrowed the technical gap with well-known foreign brands. Companies such as Lanshi, Lankē, and THT have upgraded their equipment and established testing facilities. However, it must be admitted that there is still a technical gap compared to internationally renowned companies like Alfa Laval and APV. This gap is evident in areas such as the analysis and processing of test data, the development of empirical formulas, the level of precision in manufacturing, and the refinement of products. In essence, what’s lacking are highly skilled professionals. Accurately calculating and meticulously working on these aspects presents difficulties, and cooperation with design firms that possess strong R&D capabilities can greatly help improve these situations. Of course, in addition to the technical gap, there are also differences in management skills and innovation capabilities； Moreover, most of the companies on this list are plate heat exchanger manufacturers; additional companies that could be included are those skilled in manufacturing large shell-and-tube heat exchangers, such as Shanghai Power Station Auxiliary Equipment Factory, Sensong Pressure Vessels, and Lanshi Heavy Equipment. Manufacturing large shell-and-tube heat exchangers is extremely difficult, and it’s indeed beyond the capabilities of ordinary companies. Other companies with strong capabilities in air-cooled products include Har Air Conditioning, Shuangliang Group, Hubei Difeng, and Daye Sriel. Those proficient in plate-fin heat exchangers include Hangyang Oxygen. There are also companies skilled in winding tube technology, such as Shandong Haomai, Zhenhai Refining & Chemical, and Dalian Linde, among others. There is also the feeling that private enterprises are able to unleash their innovative potential more effectively; some of the innovative products developed by them are indeed at the forefront. Recently, I have been particularly impressed by the new products from THT. State-owned enterprises generally start later but catch up quickly, as they have stronger resources and capabilities in various areas. It is encouraging to see that military and civilian enterprises in the fields of aviation, aerospace, engine manufacturing, shipbuilding, and nuclear power are competing to develop more efficient, smaller, lighter heat exchanger products that can withstand high temperatures and pressures; this injects momentum into the industry’s progress toward higher-end developments ； Renowned professors in various universities are busy researching efficient heat transfer components, while insightful professionals in design firms are working hard, despite various pressures, to apply new products and technologies in practice. This is the current state of the rapidly developing heat exchanger industry as I see it. Meilong Jushi