Top 10 Best Heat Exchanger Selection Software of 2026

HTRI Xchanger Suite is the industry-leading software for the design, rating, simulation, and optimization of heat exchangers, including shell-and-tube, air-cooled, plate-fin, and process fired heaters. Developed by Heat Transfer Research, Inc., it leverages proprietary experimental data and advanced correlations for precise thermal-hydraulic predictions far beyond standard methods like Kern or Delaware. Widely used in oil & gas, chemicals, and power sectors, it supports exchanger selection, performance troubleshooting, and compliance with TEMA, API, and ASME standards.

Aspen Exchanger Design & Rating (EDR) from AspenTech is a powerful engineering software suite specialized in the design, simulation, rating, and optimization of various heat exchanger types, including shell-and-tube, air-cooled, plate-and-frame, and twisted-tube exchangers. It employs rigorous thermodynamic models, proprietary heat transfer correlations, and mechanical design checks compliant with standards like TEMA, ASME, and API. Seamlessly integrated with Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS, it supports comprehensive process workflows for accurate performance prediction and selection in industrial applications.

HTFS Suite from Wood (woodplc.com) is a veteran software package for heat exchanger design, rating, and simulation, offering modules for shell-and-tube, air-cooled, plate-fin, and other exchanger types. It provides detailed thermal-hydraulic performance predictions, mechanical design checks, and optimization tools based on extensive research-validated correlations. Primarily used in oil & gas, petrochemical, and power industries, it supports preliminary selection through detailed engineering analysis.

ChemCAD, developed by Chemstations, is a versatile chemical process simulation software with strong capabilities for heat exchanger modeling and selection. It supports a wide range of exchanger types including shell-and-tube, plate-and-frame, air-cooled, and double-pipe, enabling users to perform sizing, rating, and performance analysis within integrated process flowsheets. Leveraging a robust thermodynamic database and utilities like pinch analysis, it facilitates optimal heat exchanger selection and heat integration in chemical engineering projects.

PRO/II Simulation from AVEVA is a steady-state process simulation software widely used in the chemical, oil & gas, and refining industries for modeling complex flowsheets, including detailed heat exchanger rating and performance analysis. It supports various exchanger types like shell-and-tube, air-cooled, and plate heat exchangers, allowing users to evaluate sizing, pressure drops, and heat transfer coefficients based on process conditions. While not a standalone heat exchanger selection tool, it excels in integrating exchanger design with overall process optimization for accurate selection in industrial applications.

UniSim Design from Honeywell is a robust process simulation platform that supports detailed modeling, rating, and selection of heat exchangers within comprehensive plant-wide simulations. It handles various exchanger types including shell-and-tube, plate-and-frame, and air-cooled units, providing accurate heat transfer calculations, pressure drop predictions, and optimization tools. Primarily used in oil & gas, refining, and chemicals industries, it integrates steady-state and dynamic simulations for realistic performance analysis.

BJAC software from bjaconline.com is a specialized tool for selecting and sizing heat exchangers, primarily focused on Barriquand's range of plate heat exchangers, brazed plate units, and other compact models. Users input process data such as flow rates, inlet/outlet temperatures, pressures, and fluid properties to generate optimized exchanger configurations with performance predictions. It provides detailed datasheets, thermal calculations, and hydraulic performance analysis tailored to industrial applications like HVAC, refrigeration, and chemical processing.

Alfa Laval HEXselection is a web-based software tool from Alfa Laval for selecting and sizing their compact heat exchangers, including gasketed plate, brazed plate, and welded types. Users input process data like flow rates, temperatures, pressures, and fluid properties, and the tool simulates performance to recommend optimal models with detailed calculations. It generates performance curves, general arrangement drawings, and facilitates direct quote requests to Alfa Laval sales teams.

Kelvion Selection Software is a specialized engineering tool from Kelvion for selecting and sizing heat exchangers from their product portfolio, including plate, shell-and-tube, and air-cooled models. Users input process data like fluid properties, flow rates, temperatures, and pressures, and the software performs thermal and hydraulic calculations to recommend optimal configurations. It generates detailed performance reports, datasheets, and CAD drawings, aiding in precise equipment specification for industrial applications.

SWEP Selection Software is a web-based tool provided by SWEP, a leading manufacturer of brazed plate heat exchangers (BPHEs), designed specifically for selecting and configuring optimal BPHE models based on user-defined process parameters such as temperatures, flow rates, and pressure drops. It performs detailed thermal and hydraulic calculations, recommends the best exchanger from SWEP's extensive portfolio, and generates performance datasheets, CAD drawings, and quotations. The software supports applications in refrigeration, HVAC, and industrial processes, ensuring compliance with efficiency standards.