Exploring Plate Heat Exchanger Design Options Using Generalised Correlations

• Published in: Chemical engineering transactions 2022-09, Vol.94
• Main Authors: Derly C. Delgado-García, Martín Picón-Núñez, Jorge L. García-Castillo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2283-9216
• DOI: 10.3303/CET2294010

The thermohydraulic performance of the surfaces used in plate heat exchangers are directly related to the surface geometrical features which have an impact on the size of a heat exchanger. In the case of chevron corrugations, the variables are the chevron angle, pitch, and height. Over the years, generalised correlations for plate surfaces have been produced but still there are differences in the predictions when compared to experimental data. There is not a single correlation that suits all the applications. This situation justifies the development of new correlations based on the model of limiting solutions that incorporates the laminar and turbulent regions into a single expression to be used in design. In this work, new alternative generalised correlations for the Colburn and friction factor including the chevron angle effect are derived and compared with experimental data to assess its accuracy; average absolute errors of 3.98 % and 4.50 % for f and j are obtained in the range of 30 ° = ß = 80 °. These correlations are implemented in a shortcut design approach where a graphical representation of the design options, referred to as parameter plot, is used as an aid in the design process. Two feasible designs are obtained: for ß = 35 ° an area of 35.37 m2 with a pressure drop of 12.05 kPa, and for ß = 40 ° an area of 34.69 m2 and 18.68 kPa where it can be appreciated that choice of the final design depends mostly on the operational costs.