Comprehensive numerical investigation of the effect of various baffle design and baffle spacing on a shell and tube heat exchanger

This article explores the significance of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers (STHX), with a focus on various baffle types such as Segmental, Double segmental, Helical, Disc-and-Doughnut, Clamping anti-vibration, and Flower-B. In this study, the commercial software ANSYS FLUENT is used to simulate the problem. The study evaluates their impact on heat exchanger performance using parameters like overall heat transfer coefficient (OHT), pressure drop (PD), and Performance Evaluation Criteria (PEC). Clamping anti-vibration, Flower-B, Helical, and Double segmental baffles exhibit reductions in shell side PD by 14%-28%. Despite OHT reductions in these designs, Disc-and-Doughnut baffles demonstrate a higher OHT (21%-24%) compared to Segmental baffles. Based on PEC values, Disc-and-Doughnut baffles are identified as the most favorable. Further investigation into different numbers of Disc-and-Doughnut baffles reveals increased OHT (17%-29%), PD (58%-59%), and cold water temperature (0.5%-1%). The STHX with Disc-and-Doughnut 10 baffles displays the highest PEC value, establishing it as the most effective STHX in the simulation.