Title: Heat exchanger

Objective:

1. To study the types of heat exchanger operation.

2. To study the effect of flow rate on heat transfer.
3. To perform energy balance around a heat exchanger.
4. To study temperature profiles across a heat exchanger.
5. To study and compare the heat losses, heat transfer coefficient and log mean
temperature difference setting and exchangers.

Introduction:

A heat exchanger is a piece of equipment built for efficient heat transfer from one
medium to another. The media may be separated by a solid wall, so that they never mix or they
may be in direct contact as well. Heat exchangers are widely used in industry both for cooling
and heating large scale industrial processes. Most chemical processes involve heat transfer to
and from the process fluids. The type and size of the heat exchanger used can be tailored to suit
a process depending on the type of fluid, fluid phase, temperature, density, viscosity, pressures
chemical composition and thermodynamics properties.

The most commonly used heat-transfer equipment is the shell and tube heat exchanger
which is direct contact type heat exchanger. In shell and tube heat exchanger, hot fluid and cold
fluid direct contact with each other to transfer heat. Shell and tube heat exchangers consist of
a series of the tubes. One set of these tubes contains the fluid that must be either heated or
cooled. The second fluid runs over the tubes that are being heated or cooled so that it can either
provide the heat or absorb the heat required.

Plate heat exchangers are used extensively in the food and beverage industries due to
the fact that they are easily taken apart for cleaning and inspection. Their used in other
industries will depend on the relative cost as compared to other types of heat exchanger such
as the shell and tube heat exchangers.

The fluids can flow either in same direction or opposite direction. Two mediums enter
the exchanger at the same end and travel in parallel to one another is consider co-current flow
while if the two mediums enter the heat exchanger from opposite ends is consider counter
 current flow where this flow type is more efficient as it can transfer most heat from the heat
transfer medium.

Material and equipment:

Heat exchanger unit

Spiral heat
exchanger

Total power supply

Shell and tube

Cold water tank
heat exchanger
connected to
water supply

Hot water tank

connected to water Temperature and
supply pressure drops
readings

Switches

Valves that control

fluid flow type
 Results and calculations:

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Table 1: Results of Co-Current Flow Water.

FThot FTcold mhot mcold Temperature (℃) Qhot Qcold LMTD Uouter Uinner
(LPM) (LPM) (kg/s) (kg/s) T1 T2 T3 T4 (kW) (kW) (℃) (kW/m2℃) (kW/m2℃)
3 3 0.05 0.05 49.4 44.3 28.4 32.3 1.0669 0.8159 16.08 0.3466 0.5452
3 6 0.05 0.10 49.6 43.3 28.2 30.4 1.3180 0.9205 16.79 0.3745 0.6450
3 9 0.05 0.15 49.5 42.9 28.1 29.8 1.3807 1.0669 16.91 0.4310 0.6709
6 3 0.10 0.05 49.3 45.3 28.4 34.4 1.6736 1.2552 15.36 0.5582 0.8953
6 6 0.10 0.10 49.4 44.7 28.4 32.3 1.9665 1.6318 16.32 0.6830 0.9901
6 9 0.10 0.15 49.5 44.2 28.3 31.1 2.2175 1.7573 16.83 0.7132 1.0827
 Table 2: Results of Counter-Current Flow Water.

FThot FTcold mhot mcold Temperature (℃) Qhot Qcold LMTD Uouter Uinner
(LPM) (LPM) (kg/s) (kg/s) T1 T2 T3 T4 (kW) (kW) (℃) (kW/m2℃) (kW/m2℃)
3 3 0.05 0.05 49.4 44.1 32.9 28.2 1.1088 0.9832 15.67 0.4286 0.5814
3 6 0.05 0.10 49.3 43.1 30.8 27.9 1.2970 1.2134 16.43 0.5045 0.6487
3 9 0.05 0.15 50.0 43.2 30.1 27.9 1.4226 1.3807 17.21 0.5480 0.6792
6 3 0.10 0.05 49.6 45.6 35.3 28.2 1.6736 1.4853 15.18 0.6683 0.9059
6 6 0.10 0.10 49.6 44.8 32.6 28.1 2.008 1.8828 16.41 0.7837 1.0050
6 9 0.10 0.15 49.6 44.2 31.4 28.0 2.2594 2.1338 16.82 0.8665 1.1038
Given:

Length of tube = 0.5 m

Tube inner diameter = 7.75 mm

Tube outer diameter = 9.53 mm

Tube pitch = 18 mm

Tube surface area = 0.015 m2

Number of tubes = 10

Shell diameter = 85 mm

Baffle distance = 50 mm

Tube cross sectional area = 4.72 x 10-5 m2

Shell cross flow area = 2.00 x 10-3 m2

Shell equivalent diameter = 27.78 mm

Density of water, 𝜌 = 1000 kg/m3

Heat capacity of water, C = 4.184 kJ/kg℃

Log Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD):

△𝑇1 − △𝑇2
△ 𝑇𝑙𝑚 = △𝑇1
ln( )
△𝑇2

Hot water 3 liter/min and 3 liter/min of cold water is chose to perform sample calculation.

For co-current flow:

∆𝑇1= 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡,𝑖𝑛 - 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑,𝑖𝑛

 = 49.4 ℃ - 28.4 ℃

= 21. 0 ℃

∆𝑇2= 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡,𝑜𝑢𝑡 - 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑,𝑜𝑢𝑡

= 44.3℃ - 32.3 ℃

= 12.0 ℃

△𝑇1 − △𝑇2
△ 𝑇𝑙𝑚 = △𝑇1
ln( )
△𝑇2

21.0℃ − 12.0℃
= 21.0℃
ln
12.0℃

= 16.08 ℃

Hot water 3 liter/min and 3 liter/min of cold water is chose to perform sample calculation.

For counter-current flow:

∆𝑇1= 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡,𝑖𝑛 - 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑,𝑜𝑢𝑡

=49.4℃ – 28.2 ℃

=21.2℃

∆𝑇2= 𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡,𝑜𝑢𝑡 - 𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑,𝑖𝑛

= 44.1℃ - 32.9 ℃

= 11.2 ℃

△𝑇1 − △𝑇2
△ 𝑇𝑙𝑚 = △𝑇1
ln( )
△𝑇2
 21.2℃ − 11.2℃
= 21.2℃
ln
11.2℃

= 15.67℃

Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (U):

𝑞 = 𝑈𝑜 𝐴𝑜 △𝑇𝑚 = 𝑈𝑖 𝐴𝑖 △𝑇𝑚

Where

𝐴𝑜 = outside area of the tube, m2

𝐴𝑖 = inside area of the tube, m2

△𝑇𝑚 = mean temperature difference, °C

𝑈𝑜 = overall heat transfer coefficient based on the outside area of the tube, kWm-2°C-1

𝑈𝑖 = overall heat transfer coefficient based on the inside area of the tube, kWm-2°C-1

𝐻𝑜𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑚̇ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝐹𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡 × 𝜌

𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000 𝑘𝑔
= 3 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ×1000 𝐿 × ×
60 𝑠 𝑚3

𝑘𝑔
= 0.05 𝑠

𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒, 𝑚̇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝐹𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 × 𝜌

𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000 𝑘𝑔
= 3 𝑚𝑖𝑛 ×1000 𝐿 × ×
60 𝑠 𝑚3
 𝑘𝑔
= 0.05 𝑠

3L/min hot water flow rate and 3L/min cold water flow rate at co-current flow is used to perform
sample calculation.

For co –current flow:

𝑄ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑚̇ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑐∆𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑚̇ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑐(𝑇1 − 𝑇2)

kg kJ
= (0.0500 s ) ( 4.1840 kg ℃) (49.4℃ − 44.3℃)

= 1.0669kJ/s

= 1.0669 kW

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝑚̇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑐∆𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝑚̇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑐(𝑇4 − 𝑇3)

kg kJ
= (0.0500 s ) ( 4.1840 kg ℃) (32.3℃ − 28.4℃)

= 0.8159 kJ/s

= 0.8159 kW

𝑄ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 + 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠

1.0669kJ/s = 0.8159 kJ/s + 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠

𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 0.251 kJ/s

For counter –current flow:

𝑄ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑚̇ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑐∆𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑚̇ℎ𝑜𝑡 𝑐(𝑇1 − 𝑇2)

kg kJ
= (0.0500 ) ( 4.1840 ℃) (49.4℃ − 44.1℃)
s kg
 = 1.1088 kJ/s

= 1.1088 kW

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝑚̇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑐∆𝑇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝑚̇𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 𝑐(𝑇4 − 𝑇3)

kg kJ
= (0.0500 s ) ( 4.1840 kg ℃) (28.2℃ − 32.9℃)

= 0.9832 kJ/s

= 0.9832 kW

𝑄ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 + 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠

1.1088 kJ/s = 0.9832 kJ/s + 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠

𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠 = 0.1256 kJ/s

Inside area of the tube, Ai= π × Di × L

= π × 0.00775 × 0.5

= 0.01217 m2

Outside area of the tube, Ao = π × Do × L

= π × 0.00953 × 0.5

= 0.01464 m2

Total inside area of the tubes, Ai = Ai × N

= 0.01217 × 10

= 0.1217 m2
Total outside area of the tubes, AO = AO × N

= 0.01464 × 10

= 0.1464 m2

For co-current flow

Hot water flow with a constant 3L/min flow rate and 3L/min of cold water is used to perform a
sample calculation for overall heat transfer coefficient.

For overall heat transfer coefficient for hot water

𝑞ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑈𝑖 𝐴𝑖 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

𝑞ℎ𝑜𝑡
𝑈𝑖 =
𝐴𝑖 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

1.0669 𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑖 =
(0.1217 𝑚2 × 16.08℃)

𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑖 = 0.5452
𝑚2 ∙ ℃

For overall heat transfer coefficient for cold water

𝑞𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝑈𝑜 𝐴𝑜 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

𝑞𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑
𝑈𝑜 =
𝐴𝑜 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

0.8159 𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑜 =
(0.1464 𝑚2 × 16.08 ℃)

𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑜 = 0.3466
𝑚2 ∙ ℃
For counter-current flow

Hot water flow with a constant 3L/min flow rate and 3L/min of cold water is used to perform a
sample calculation for overall heat transfer coefficient.

For overall heat transfer coefficient for hot water

𝑞ℎ𝑜𝑡 = 𝑈𝑖 𝐴𝑖 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

𝑞ℎ𝑜𝑡
𝑈𝑖 =
𝐴𝑖 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

1.1088 𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑖 =
(0.1217 𝑚2 × 15.67 ℃)

𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑖 = 0.5814
𝑚2 ∙ ℃

For overall heat transfer coefficient for cold water

𝑞𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 = 𝑈𝑜 𝐴𝑜 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

𝑞𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑
𝑈𝑜 =
𝐴𝑜 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

0.9832 𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑜 =
(0.1464 𝑚2 × 15.67℃)

𝑘𝑊
𝑈𝑜 = 0.4286
𝑚2 ∙ ℃
Spiral Heat Exchanger:

Table 3: Results of Co-Current Flow Water.

FThot FTcold mhot mcold Temperature (℃) Qhot Qcold Qavg LMTD Uouter Uinner
(LPM) (LPM) (kg/s) (kg/s) T1 T2 T3 T4 (kW) (kW) (kW) (℃) (kW/m2℃) (kW/m2℃)
3 3 0.05 0.05 49.4 43.8 28.4 32.2 -1.1715 0.7950 0.9833 15.8378 1.0552 1.2977
3 6 0.05 0.10 49.5 42.3 28.4 31.1 -1.5062 1.1297 1.3180 15.6309 1.3746 1.6905
3 9 0.05 0.15 49.5 41.3 28.3 30.4 -1.7154 1.3180 1.5167 15.4832 1.5805 1.9437
6 3 0.10 0.05 49.5 46.5 28.4 32.7 -1.2552 0.8996 1.0774 17.1925 1.0415 1.2809
6 6 0.10 0.10 49.5 45.4 28.3 31.8 -1.7154 1.4644 1.5899 17.1198 1.4294 1.7579
6 9 0.10 0.15 49.3 44.5 28.1 30.6 -2.0083 1.5690 1.7887 17.2940 1.6566 2.0373

FT = Volumetric Flowrate

m = Mass Flowratee

Q = Heat transfer/ Heat Loss

LMTD = Log-Mean Temperature Difference

U = Heat Transfer Coefficient

 Table 4: Results of Counter Current Flow Water.

FThot FTcold mhot mcold Temperature (℃) Qhot Qcold Qavg LMTD Uouter Uinner
(LPM) (LPM) (kg/s) (kg/s) T1 T2 T3 T4 (kW) (kW) (kW) (℃) (kW/m2℃) (kW/m2℃)
3 3 0.05 0.05 49.4 42.8 34.0 28.3 -1.3807 -1.1924 1.2866 14.9455 1.3179 1.6207
3 6 0.05 0.10 49.8 41.2 31.8 28.1 -1.7991 -1.5481 1.6736 15.4205 1.6643 2.0468
3 9 0.05 0.15 49.8 40.7 30.9 27.9 -1.9037 -1.8828 1.8933 15.6524 1.7350 2.1337
6 3 0.10 0.05 49.6 45.9 34.8 28.2 -1.5481 -1.3807 1.4644 16.2068 1.3626 1.6758
6 6 0.10 0.10 49.9 45.1 32.4 28.0 -2.0083 -1.8410 1.9247 17.2992 1.6561 2.0367
6 9 0.10 0.15 49.4 44.1 31.3 27.8 -2.2175 -2.1966 2.2071 17.1843 1.8408 2.2639
Calculations:
Spiral Heat Exchanger

Tube inner diameter, di = 7.75 mm

Tube outer diameter, do = 9.53 mm
Number of coils, N = 30
Diameter of coils, dc = 78 mm
Density of water, 𝜌 : 1000 kg/m3
Heat capacity of water, C : 4.184 kJ/kg℃

Sample calculation data set:

Water flow : Co-current flow
Volumetric flowrate, FT : FThot = 3 LPM, FTcold = 3 LPM
Temperature, T : T1 = 49.4 ℃, T2 = 43.8 ℃, T3 = 28.4 ℃, T4 = 32.2 ℃

Mass flowrate of water:

mhot = 𝐹𝑇ℎ𝑜𝑡 × 𝜌
𝐿 1𝑚3 1𝑚𝑖𝑛 1000𝑘𝑔
= 3 𝑚𝑖𝑛 × 1000𝐿 × ×
60𝑠 𝑚3

= 0.05 kg/s
mcold = 0.05 kg/s

Heat transfer by water:

Qhot = 𝑚ℎ𝑜𝑡 × 𝐶 × (𝑇2 − 𝑇1)
𝑘𝑔
= 0.05 × 4.184 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔℃ × (43.8 ℃ − 49.4 ℃)
𝑠

= -1.1715 kW
Qcold = 𝑚𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 × 𝐶 × (𝑇4 − 𝑇3)
𝑘𝑔
= 0.05 × 4.184 𝑘𝐽/𝑘𝑔℃ × (32.2 ℃ − 28.4 ℃)
𝑠

= 0.7950 kW
|𝑄ℎ𝑜𝑡 |+|𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑑 |
Qavg = 2
|−1.1715 𝑘𝑊|+|0.7950 𝑘𝑊|
= 2

= 0.9833 kW
Log-mean temperature difference (LMTD):
∆𝑇1 −∆𝑇2
∆Tlm = ∆𝑇1
𝑙𝑛( )
∆𝑇2

∆T1 = T1 – T3 = 49.4 ℃ - 28.4 ℃ = 21 ℃

∆T2 = T2 – T4 = 43.8 ℃ - 32.2 ℃ = 11.6 ℃
21 ℃−11.6 ℃
∆Tlm = 21 ℃
𝑙𝑛( )
11.6 ℃

= 15.8378 ℃

Heat transfer coefficient:

|𝑄ℎ𝑜𝑡 |
Uo =𝐴
𝑜 ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚

Aouter = 𝑁 × 𝑑𝑐 × 𝜋 × 𝑑𝑜
= 30 × 0.078 𝑚 × 𝜋 × 0.00953 𝑚
= 0.0701 m2
|−1.1715 𝑘𝑊|
Uo = (0.0701 𝑚2 )(15.8378 ℃)

= 1.0552 kW/m2℃

|𝑄
ℎ𝑜𝑡 |
Ui = 𝐴 ∆𝑇
𝑖 𝑙𝑚

Ainner = 𝑁 × 𝑑𝑐 × 𝜋 × 𝑑𝑖
= 30 × 0.078 𝑚 × 𝜋 × 0.00775 𝑚
= 0.0570 m2
|−1.1715𝑘𝑊|
Ui = (0.0570𝑚2 )(15.8378℃)

= 1.2977 kW/m2℃

Discussion:
The heat exchangers that we studied are shell and tube, flat plate and spiral tube heat
exchanger. Experiment was conducted on both types of flow, which is counter current and co
current flow. The tables below show the valves arrangement of shell and tube heat exchanger
to get counter current and co current flow arrangement.
 Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger OPENED VALVES

Co-current flow V15 and V18

Counter-current flow V16 and V17

The table below shows the temperature indicators used to measure the inlet and outlet
temperature of both hot water and cold water.

Co-current Counter-current

TT1 Hot water inlet temperature Hot water inlet temperature

TT2 Hot water outlet temperature Hot water outlet temperature

TT3 Cold water inlet temperature Cold water outlet temperature

TT4 Cold water outlet temperature Cold water inlet temperature

The temperature profile for co-current flow in shell & tube exchanger is similar for Fl
1 and Fl 2. Graph 1A shows that the temperature of the hot and cold fluids decreases. When
two streams flow in opposing directions across a tube wall, there is true counter current flow.
In this situation, the only limitation is that the hot stream should at all points be hotter than the
cold stream. The outlet temperature of the cold stream may be higher than the outlet
temperature of the hot stream. Since the temperature difference varies along the length of the
heat exchanger, it has to be weighted to obtain a mean value for single-point determination of
heat-transfer area. The logarithmic mean temperature difference LMTD represents this
weighted value.
Graph 1A: Temperature Profile of Co-Current Flow Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Fl
1 Constant.

60

50
Temperature (°C)

40
Hot Stream
30
Cold Stream
20

10

Graph 1B: Temperature Profile of Co-Current Flow Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Fl
2 Constant.

60

50
Temperature (°C)

40
Hot Stream
30
Cold Stream
20

10

If the hot and cold streams flow in the same direction, flow is co-current (Graph 2A).
The mean temperature difference is still represented by the LMTD. However, the LMTD for
co-current flow is lower than that for counter-current flow for the same terminal differences.
This is because although one terminal temperature difference is very high, the other is far too
low. That is, the temperature differences along the path of heat transfer are not balanced. What
is even more serious with co current flow is that the outlet temperature of the cold stream must
be somewhat lower than the outlet temperature of the hot stream, which is a serious limitation.
Consequently, counter-current flow is always preferred to co-current flow.

Graph 2A: Temperature Profile of Counter-Current Flow Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with
Fl 1 Constant.

60

50
Temperature (°C)

40
Hot Stream
30
Cold Stream
20

10

Graph 2B: Temperature Profile of Counter-Current Flow Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with
Fl 2 Constant.

60

50
Temperature (°C)

40

Hot Stream
30
Cold Stream

20

10

0
 There were few comparisons that can be made between co-current and counter-current
flows. From the results obtained, it is noted that the differences for the inlet and outlet of hot
water flow have small difference. The cold water flow shows bigger difference. For co-current
flow, the inlets of hot and cold water met one another. This increases the temperature of the
cold water inlet, which makes the outlet higher than counter flow. In counter flow, the inlet of
hot water is used to heat the end of the cold water before it reaches near the inlet. This will
cause the hot water temperature to decrease before it reaches the inlet, which causes less heat
absorbed by the cold water. The heat transfer coefficient was observed to be increasing with
increasing cold water flow rate. Increase in cold water flow rate will cause the Reynolds
number of the fluid to increase, making its flow more turbulent and thus increasing its ability
to transfer heat. (Anonymous, 2014)

While carrying out the experiment, there were several unintended errors that happened.
One of them is the change in water level in the cold water tank that changed along with the
different flow rate of cold water during the experiment. To prevent overflow and insufficiency
or cold water, one of the members has to keep an eye on the water level. Besides that, the flow
rate of hot and cold water was manually changed by using a pump valve. An error of ±0.3 lpm
of water flow may occur throughout the experiment. Improvement can be made by using auto
flow water supply.

Shell and tube heat exchanger offers many advantages with its simple yet unique design.
It provides high heat transfer efficiency with its large surface area due to the presence of many
small tubes. It is also available in various designs, thus meeting the requirement of many kinds
of process. Besides that, it also includes baffles in the shell area to increase the mixing of fluid
or to form turbulent flow. The shell and tube exchangers also can be used in a wide range of
conditions such as temperature and pressure. Another advantage is that it allows one or two
phase flow as well as co-current and counter-current flow arrangement. Lastly, it can be easily
dismantled. Thus making it easy for maintenance and servicing. However, shell and tube heat
exchanger has its own disadvantages. The flow of fluid may cause vibration of the equipment
which may lead to deterioration of equipment. Contamination in the shell side may occur due
to the presence of stagnant zones. The tube is prone to be plugged if fluid is viscous or contains
particulates. The shell and tube exchanger is mostly used in a process where a large amount of
fluid requires cooling or heating. It can be used as a condenser or reboiler. It is widely used in
the heating and cooling of water, oil, and gas. (ScottTech, 2016)
 As for spiral heat exchanger, its main advantage is the compact size of the equipment.
Its size is relatively small to other heat exchangers but it offers high heat exchange rate due to
its spiral design. Its spiral design provides maximal flow distribution and high contact surface
area. Its compact size also allows heat transfer surfaces to be easily accessed. The spiral heat
exchanger is able to reduce the probability of fouling due to its self-cleaning properties or it
can be opened easily for cleaning. It also allows co-current and counter current flow with an
additional cross flow pattern of fluid. One of the limitations of spiral heat exchanger is that it
cannot endure high temperature and pressure. Unlike other heat exchanger it can handle only
up to a maximum pressure of 25 bars. Spiral heat exchangers are used in many industries such
as the oil and gas industries, pharmaceutical industries, wastewater treatment industries and
many more. It is ideally used to handle fluids that may cause fouling as well as in the
condensation and cooling of vapours mixed with inert gas and heating of viscous fluids.
(Selections, 2008)

Plate heat exchanger has a very compact design and it occupies less space. A large heat
exchange surface area packed in a small volume implies high heat transfer efficiency. It can
endure processes that require high operating pressure and temperature. Another advantage of
this equipment is that it is flexible as it can be used on various kinds of conditions and fluid as
to adapt to many types of design specification. Plate heat exchangers are made of plates that
are pressed, allowing higher resistance to chemical reactions and corrosions, thus requiring low
cost of fabrication. It can also be dismantled easily for cleaning and inspection. In contrast to
the various advantages of a plate heat exchanger, one of the main disadvantages it has is the
potential for leakage in between plates. Besides that, relatively high pressure drop may occur
through plate heat exchanger and it requires consideration on the running cost and pumping
system capital. Not only that, particulate contaminants from the fluid may cause the narrow
spaces in between adjacent plates to be blocked. Plate heat exchangers are widely used in the
food and beverage industries for pasteurization, cooling, heating and treatment of food and
drinks. It is also used in the petroleum and chemical production as it is resistant to chemical
reactions and corrosions. It is mostly used for cooling of product or reactant. (Shell Tube
exchanger, 2017)

One of the advantages of a concentric heat exchanger is that it used for high pressure
applications. Its units can be removed or included as required in a certain process; increasing
its flexibility. However, the usage of this equipment is only limited to low heat duties which
requires a surface area lesser than 47m2. The only flow arrangement for this equipment is
counter-current flow. Due to the high number of connection of added on units in the equipment,
the possibility of leakage occurrence heightens. The concentric heat exchanger is applicable
for pasteurization, heat recovery, pre-heating and cooling of effluents.

Conclusion:

The heat transfer most in counter current flow compared to co-current flow and it is
more efficient. This is because in counter current it can transfer most heat from the heat transfer
medium. From the LMTD value, we noted that the value for counter current is higher than co-
current flow at same terminal temperature and pressure. Besides that, heat also transfer more
in spiral heat exchanger as it as higher surface are in contact with the two mediums as compared
to the shell and tube heat exchanger. Hence, we can conclude that heat can transfer most in
spiral heat exchanger in when the two medium flow in opposite way.

References:

1. Anonymous, (n.d.), Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers. retrieved March 2 2014, from GEA
Process Engineering Web Site:
http://www.geap.com.au/gpau/cmsdoc.nsf/webdoc/webb94q9l5

2. Heat Exchangers. (nd). Retrieved from Visual Encyclopedia of Chemical Engineering:

http://encyclopedia.che.engin.umich.edu/Pages/HeatTransfer/HeatExchangers/HeatEx
changers.html

3. ScottTech. (2016, December 23). Spiral Heat Exchangers: Design Features and
Benefits. Retrieved from Mahan's Thermal Product: http://mahans.com/spiral-heat-
exchangers-design-features-and-benefits/

4. Selections. (2008). Retrieved from H&C Heat Transfer Solutions:

http://www.hcheattransfer.com/selection.html

5. Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger. (nd). Retrieved from Bowman:

https://www.ejbowman.co.uk/products/ShellandTubeHeatExchangers.htm
6. Shell Tube exchanger. (2017). Retrieved from Southwest Thermal Technology Inc.:
http://www.southwestthermal.com/shell-tube-exchanger.html