A simple method for determining the heat transfer area of shell-and-tube exchangers in process design -

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In the process of chemical process design, it is common to encounter the issue of estimating the heat exchange area. Generally, the heat exchanger calculation modules built into Aspen or Pro II are used for this purpose, with only a simple value for the heat transfer coefficient being required. However, in some cases, the calculated heat exchange area turns out to be extremely high, which is clearly incorrect. Manual calculations present problems such as estimating the heat transfer coefficient, as well as issues with the logarithmic mean temperature difference correction factor. Another algorithm, Aspen EDR, is also used; it offers good results for design calculations, but it’s quite complicated. Moreover, it’s difficult to determine what appropriate margin should be applied to the heat exchange surfaces in relation to the equipment requirements. Do any experienced professionals have any better methods? What is a suitable value to use for EDR to calculate the remaining amount on the heat exchange surface?