A heat exchanger is a device that transfers heat between two or more fluids. There are several types of heat exchangers, including parallel-flow, counter-flow, cross-flow, double pipe, shell and tube, plate, and spiral. Heat exchangers are widely used in applications like heating, cooling, chemical processes, and power generation to efficiently exchange heat between fluids. Proper selection and maintenance of heat exchangers depends on factors such as temperature ranges, pressure, materials, fouling potential, and cleanability.