Size and Weight

The smaller and lighter heat exchanger is more preferable than the
bigger heat exchanger.
Smaller and lighter heat exchanger is more better than bigger one
especially in automotive and aerospace industries where size and
weight requirements are most stringent.
Besides, a larger heat exchanger is more expensive than the smaller
heat exchanger.
Space available for heat exchanger in some case limits the length of the
tubes that can be used so, it is better to use the smaller one.
Nowadays, most of heat exchangers in market is made up of aluminum
which is more lighter compare to the old one which is made up from
copper.
So system will be more lighter, compact and high efficiency.
To conclude, engineers will choose the compact one which is smaller and
lighter because of the flexible space thus, saving the installation cost.

Type

In order to achieve optimum process operations, it is essential to use

the right type of process equipment in any given process.
The type of heat exchanger depends on:
Type of fluid involved
Size and weight limitations
Presence of any phase-change processes

The selection of the proper type of heat exchanger is important.

Selecting the wrong type can lead to sub-optimum plant performance,
operability issues and equipment failures. (As in there are so many type
of heat exchanger in industry)
The basic design of heat exchanger:
Shell and tube heat exchanger
Plate Heat exchanger

According to the flow layout , heat exchanger are grouped in:

Shell and tube heat exchanger

Plate heat exchanger
Open-flow heat exchanger
Contact heat exchanger

According to the type of fluid used, phase changes, flow direction, area
density, etc., heat exchanger can be grouped as:

Conventional or no-compact heat exchangers

Compact heat exchangers
Meso heat exchanger
Micro heat exchanger

Each type of heat exchanger have their own advantages and

disadvantages all depends on process requirement.
In order to make best selection, it is important for us to have some
knowledge of different type of heat exchanger and how they operate.