Abstract
Heat transfer in shell-and-tube heat exchangers is a complex process depending on many factors: the fluid properties, the geometric parameters of the flow region, the quality of the heat transfer surface caused by physical properties, surface roughness and fouling rate Selection of the optimum ratio of geometrical parameters in order to achieve maximum energy efficiency of the heat exchanger must be based on the study of thermal and hydraulic characteristics of the flow. The most effective method for studying hydrodynamic and heat transfer processes is now the method of computational fluid dynamics implemented in finite element analysis systems. Advantages of CFD is the high speed of calculation, the accuracy and completeness of the result data, which gives an understanding of distribution and flow rates in the apparatus, pressure drop of the interior space as a whole and its individual regions. The article describes a finite element model of the heat exchanger. Model consists of three domains (tube side, metal pipe, shell side) and the domain interfaces. The simulation results give a complete picture of the distribution of thermal and hydraulic parameters. Of particular interest is the flow in the shell-side that has a more complex configuration. Simulation allowed us to estimate the distribution of the fluid flow, to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the influence of gaps and baffle spacing. To assess the accuracy of the results and compliance with the model and the real heat exchanger was carried out verification of the results - a comparison with the results of a natural experiment. For this purpose, the experimental setup was made, which can be used to monitor and record the temperature of the flow at the inlet and outlet to measure pressure and flow rate at the inlet of the heat exchanger. Comparison of numerical simulation and experimental results showed good agreement and confirmed compliance of developed finite element model and the real heat exchanger.
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