Analysis of the performance of the shell and tube heat exchanger: Influence of the baffles and the position of fluid inlet and outlet

Abstract

The constant need for heat exchangers that are easy to manufacture and maintain, and that have a standardized and already known manufacturing technology, has led to the fact that shell and tube heat exchangers are one of the most common devices used in the process industry. In this paper, the analytical and numerical models of the basic shell and heat exchanger have presented with dimensions of 3750 x 1000 mm and a nominal heat capacity of 410 kW. Using the flow simulation, the influence of different numbers and arrangement of baffles and the changing the position of the inlet and outlet of warmer fluid are considered. The temperatures of the fluids on the inlet and outlet are taken into account as the main parameters for heat exchanger performance. From obtained results, it can be concluded that with the increase in the number of baffles, the performance of the heat exchanger is increased. The position of the inlet and outlet of the warmer fluid greatly influence the heat exchanger performance.