CFD simulation study of shell and tube heat exchangers with different baffle segment configurations

The aim of this article is to study the effects of different configurations of baffles in shell and tube heat exchanger (STHX) on heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop. Baffles used in shell and tube heat exchanger improve heat transfer and also result in increased pressure drop. Shell and tube heat exchangers with single, double, triple segmental baffles, helical baffles and flower baffle are designed and fluid dynamic simulations are also carried out with SOLIDWORKS Flow Simulation software (ver.2015). Simulation results showed that for same shell side mass flow rate, heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and heat transfer rate are found to be maximum with single segmental baffles. Almost zero stagnation zones are observed in helical baffles, leading to reduction in fouling, and long operational lifetime as the flow induced vibration is low. Flower 'A' and Flower 'B' type baffles also showed reduced stagnation zones.