STG-9 Advanced Computational Methods for Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Design

M. J. Andrews

1993

A review of 3D shell-and-tube heat exchanger design calculations is given. Key parameters that describe the heat exchanger are defined, and the required results are identified. Existing 3D calculation methods are explored for their capabilities and limitations within the scope of the given and required parameters. The report concludes that the distributed resistance method is well suited to shell-and-tube heat exchanger design calculations. The governing equations of the distributed resistance approach are derived and computational solution algorithms are reviewed. It is concluded that 3D calculations are feasible using the SIMPLEX algorithm.