What is the theory of shell and tube heat exchanger?

The theory of shell and tube heat exchangers involves several key principles:

Heat transfer: It is based on the principle of conduction and convection. The hot fluid transfers its heat through the tube walls to the cooler fluid on the other side.

Surface area: The large number of tubes provides a significant surface area for efficient heat exchange. The greater the surface area, the more heat can be transferred.

Flow patterns: The fluids are designed to flow in a specific pattern to maximize contact and heat transfer. This may involve countercurrent or cross-flow arrangements.

Thermal conductivity: The materials used for the tubes and shell have specific thermal conductivities that affect the rate of heat transfer.

Pressure drop: There is a consideration of the pressure drop across the exchanger to ensure proper fluid flow and system efficiency.

Overall, the theory aims to optimize the design and operation of the shell and tube heat exchanger to achieve effective heat transfer between the fluids while meeting the requirements of the specific application in terms of temperature change, pressure, and fluid handling.