Pressure drop: A basis for Heat Exchanger design

Pressure drop: A basis for Heat Exchanger design

Abstract

The conventional method of heat exchanger design i.e number of transfer units (NTU) & logarithmic mean temperature (LMTD) are monotonous as they involve many trials to achieve enviable pressure constraints. This can be substituted by making use of allowable pressure drop as design objective. In this project we are presenting the design of plate heat exchangers (PHE) with and without pressure drop delineations. The PHE consists of a pack of gasketted corrugated metal plates, pressed together in a frame. The design is based on a model, which represents the relationship between heat transfer, pressure drop and effective heat transfer area. A computer algorithm has been developed for thermal design of a PHE. The first step of design based on fixed allowable pressure drop. In optimal design without pressure drop delineation the values of Reynolds number & corresponding value of fluid velocities are determined. Thus it is evident that the method involving pressure drop should be practiced to save time.