CFD Analysis of a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Single Segmental Baffles

Abstract

In this investigation, a comprehensive approach is established in detail to analyse the effectiveness of the shell and tube heat exchanger (STE) with 50% baffle cuts (Bc) with varying number of baffles. CFD simulations were conducted on a single pass and single tube heat exchanger(HE) using water as working fluid. A counterflow technique is implemented for this simulation study. Based on different approaches made on design analysis for a heat exchanger, here, a mini shell and tube exchanger (STE) computational model is developed. Commercial CFD software package ANSYS-Fluent 14.0 was used for computational analysis and comparison with existing literature in the view of certain variables; in particular, baffle cut, baffle spacing, the outcome of shell and tube diameter on the pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient. However, the simulation results are more circumscribed with the applied turbulence models such as Spalart-Allmaras, k-ɛ standard and k-ɛ realizable. For determining the best among the turbulence models, the computational results are validated with the existing literature. The proposed study portrays an in-depth outlook and visualization of heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop along the length of the heat exchanger(HE). The modified design of the heat exchanger yields a maximum of 44% pressure drop reduction and an increment of 60.66% in heat transfer.