A Software based method to determine the intermediate temperatures of a shell and tube heat exchanger

Abstract

In spite of the fact that the heat exchanger is a piece of equipment that is extensively employed in the industry, still there are gray areas associated with its design and manufacture that have a very substantial potential for research and development. This research project is aimed at determining intermediate temperatures of a shell and tube heat exchanger, particularly at the interface of the tube external surface and the shell fluid using a software based method. In carrying out the research a physical model of a heat exchanger was made, its intermediate temperatures were measured with a testing apparatus and an application program me was developed based on basic principles to determine the same. Further, a correlation was built up between the empirical and theoretical values. Engineering design is at times based on approximation. Intermediate temperatures of a heat exchanger dictate the actual heat transferred a cross each portion of the tubes which is not taken into account in conventional design. This sort of study refines the design process giving detailed information. Moreover, the software developed provides instant feedback on behavioral changes of the exchanger caused by changes in design parameters or variables for swift decision making and also indicates undesirable effects such as temperature crossing. Also, the correlations derived transform theoretical values to suit real situations in the industry and can be utilized for any other similar exchanger.