Abstract: A method of synergistic heat transfer enhancement in two zones with self-sustaining swirl flow in rough tube heat exchanger is presented in this paper. Rough tubes combined with axially spaced twisted-tape elements inside the tube are used to enhance heat transfer of heat exchangers. Swirl flow is generated by twisted-tape elements and a self-sustaining swirl flow at a definite distance is maintained in the space between two twisted-tape elements owing to the rotational motion inertia. It has a complementary synergism in enhancement of heat transfer in the near-wall range and the center range of the tube. Alternatively，spaced twisted-tape elements can be used as both supports of tube bundle and enhancement element by producing self-sustaining swirl flow in the shell side. It is believed that the compound heat transfer enhancement with self-sustaining swirl flow and rough tubes is of great significance for the renovation of heat exchangers，energy conservation and decrease of energy consumption.