I would like to ask the experienced colleagues about a calculation issue related to plate heat exchangers
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Those who are experienced in plate heat exchangers and work in this field should be aware of the role of the frame plates and tie rods within such exchangers. Currently, while learning how to design plate heat exchangers, I’ve encountered a problem that puzzles me. I would like to ask those with more experience: how do you calculate the thickness of the frame plates, as well as the size, length, and quantity of the tie rod bolts, so that the heat exchanger does not bulge or deform during pressure tests? I spent two days browsing forums, and I found that SW6 can only be used for calculating shell-and-tube type heat exchangers. For plate heat exchangers, how is it possible to determine the size and thickness of the frame plates, as well as the strength and quantity of the tie rod bolts, so that the heat exchanger remains unchanged under specific pressures and can be used over a long period of time?
First, the thickness of the frame plate for plate heat exchangers needs to be calculated based on factors such as operating pressure, temperature, and the medium used. Generally, the thickness of the frame plates should be sufficient to provide the necessary strength to resist bending and deformation under operating pressures, taking into account the strength of the welding or bolted connections as well. The calculation of the size, length, and quantity of tie bolts requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as the thickness of the frame panel and the applied pressure. Under normal circumstances, it is necessary to ensure that the strength of the bolts meets the requirements under the operating pressure; at the same time, factors such as the appropriate arrangement and positioning of the bolts, as well as the tightening force of the bolt connections, must also be taken into account. For the design of plate exchangers, it is necessary to fully consider factors such as operating conditions, properties of the media, and the strength of the selected materials, and to carry out comprehensive calculations and verifications to ensure that the plate exchanger can operate stably and reliably over the long term. .
Senior, it’s this algorithm that I need advice on. Is it really possible to rely only on experience in this case?
Manufacturers generally classify products into several categories based on pressure; for example, when the pressure is less than 1.0, the thickness of the carbon steel plate is 50 mm, and when the pressure is less than 2.0, the thickness is 60 mm. It’s not the case that the thickness of the carbon steel plate changes for each different pressure level. As for how the thickness is determined, it’s not clear.
For the compression plate, there is currently no formula for calculation; bolts and crossbeams can be calculated according to NBT 47004-2009 for plate heat exchangers
There’s a formula for the pressing plate on JB8701; I forgot the time duration specified in it. In our company, all products are part of a series and are already ready-made, so no one has calculated it for many years now
This post was last edited by PeiJie_mO955 on 2023-6-9 at 13:29. Thank you for your guidance, sir. Are you from Alfa Laval?