Numerical Investigation of Shell-Side Characteristics of H-Shape Baffle Heat Exchanger

A new shell-and-tube heat exchanger with the H-shape baffle support structure in shell-side is presented. Analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics were carried out with the segmental baffle, rod baffle and H-shape baffle support structures in shell-sides of shell-and-tube heat exchangers, by adopting periodic numerical models. The characteristics in the three heat exchangers were compared and discussed. It is shown that the heat exchanger with the H-shape baffle support structure combines the respective characteristics of heat exchangers with cross fluid flow and longitudinal fluid flow in shell-sides, and integrates advantages of both heat exchangers. On some operating conditions, the new heat exchanger with the H-shape baffle support structure has wide application prospect.