Shell and tube exchangers.
Shell and tube exchangers.
(OP)
Is there any rule which identifies which fluid or vapor has to go on either the shell or the tube side depending on pressure or temperature.
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Shell and tube exchangers.
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RE: Shell and tube exchangers.
There are no rules for this - only scope definition, need, engineering criteria, and horse sense. For example, if you have a high pressure fluid transfering with a low pressure fluid, it makes engineering sense to put the HP fluid in the tubes - since you know that the hoop stress in the tube is more resistant than that of the shell because of the diameter difference.
When you have a condenser application, you certainly want to know if you're going to be draining - as in a total reflux condenser. If so, then the shell side is the obvious answer for the vapor when you have multiple tube passes.
If you have a corrosive fluid, it normally goes in the tube side because it comes in contact with less exotic metal than if if it were in the shell side. This is common sense and makes for a more economical solution.
There are also design questions on some of the more exotic TEMA configurations - for example, the shell side is the answer for putting the process fluid if you need an extremely low condensing pressure drop - as in vacuum operation. The pressure drop requiement is also a factor in a natural circulting thermosyphon reboiler. A one-pass tube side is the choice for the process fluid rather than the shell side.
I hope these examples explain to you how these decisions are made without fast and hard rules. I like it better this way because it makes you use your ingenuity - which is what engineering is all about.
Art Montemayor
Spring, TX
RE: Shell and tube exchangers.
But as Art alludes to, you'll find in real life one fluid is recommended for one side by a guideline and the next guideline can say it should go on the opposite side (drat those fluids). There's no cookbook I've seen that takes all of the experience factor out of the work.
At that point, you (and others) will need to weigh the pros and cons based on experience and plant practices (and success/failure in that plant
RE: Shell and tube exchangers.
I have one additional comment if you are designing for a fixed tube sheet exchanger. If there is a low allowable pressure drop problem,use the tube side and use one tube pass. Then you are not fighting turning losses that use up pressure drop.
Srfish Gulley
RE: Shell and tube exchangers.
RE: Shell and tube exchangers.
Montemayer and TD2K offer good solid advice...
I would only like to add that the fouling and cleanliness of the fluid should be given strong consideration. This fluid should always be placed on the tubeside. The heat exchanger should also probably be of single pass design, removable heads and with tubes 0.75" or larger....
Also, as a general rule, whenever there is a phase change of the liquid (vapor to liquid or liquid to vapor) place that stream on the shell side. (The exception to this rule is tank/reactor mounted condensers)
Common sense (horsesense ?) is the best guide....
Please download the helpful guide offered on the YUBA Heat Transfer website...... www.yuba.com
My thoughts only
MJC
RE: Shell and tube exchangers.