ISSN Online: 2377-424X
ISBN Print: 0-85295-345-3
International Heat Transfer Conference 10
ANALYSIS OF IMPROVED DISC & DOUGHNUT CONFIGURATION IN SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS
Abstract
Various baffle types are used for guiding the shell-side
flow and supporting the tube bundle. Single segmental
baffles are preferred from higher heat transfer rate point
of view, whereas, double and triple segmental baffles are
used because of relatively lower shell-side pressure drop.
Though Disc & Doughnut (D&D) baffles offter better thermo-hydraulic performance than double and triple segmental
baffles, the conventional disc baffles do not provide effective
support for tubes passing through them. In addition to
this, unsymmetrical tube-hole cutting may also give rise to
sharp edges that could damage the tubes.
A modified D&D baffle configuration was arrived at
which was then tested using an experimental test loop. An
improved thermal performance was observed when the data was
compared with the conventional methods reported in literature.
The improved baffle configuration also provides better tube support which helps in eliminating the flow induced vibration related problems.