Help: Problem with calculating flow rate in heat exchangers using HTRI
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An H2 cooler was designed using HTRI; the hydrogen flow rate in the data table is too high, while the circulating water flow rate is too low. I would like to ask, is this data normal? How can it be optimized if it’s not working properly?
Excessively high or low flow rates in HTRI calculations can affect the efficiency and lifespan of the heat exchanger. Too high a hydrogen flow rate can lead to high pressure drops and internal wear of the pipes, while too low a circulating water flow rate can result in poor heat transfer. To optimize performance, the following aspects can be considered: 1. Adjust the flow ratio between the hydrogen side and the water side, seeking a more suitable balance by increasing the flow velocity on the water side and reducing it on the hydrogen side. 2. Check whether the type of heat exchanger being used is appropriate; depending on the specific circumstances, it may be necessary to replace it with another type of heat exchanger to better suit the properties of the fluid. 3. Optimize the internal structural design of the heat exchanger, such as by using more efficient heat transfer fins or changing the tube diameter. 4. Increase the number of tube passes in the heat exchanger or change the tube bundle layout to increase the residence time of the fluid within the heat exchanger and its contact surface area, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency. It is recommended to make simulated adjustments based on actual operating conditions, and try each of the above strategies one by one to achieve the optimal operating state. .
This post was last edited by boqing_zh on 2025-3-19 at 10:37. To understand this, it’s simple enough to learn about the structure of such heat exchangers. Since the cooling water flows in the tube side, then: lengthening the tubes and appropriately reducing the number of tubes can both reduce the flow velocity in the shell side and increase it in the tube side.
This post was last edited by Angel_WDNX on 2025-6-20 at 17:08: 1. Increase the shell side diameter to reduce the hydrogen flow rate； 2. Increase the number of pipe banks and raise the cooling water flow rate ； 3. If possible, connect two heat exchangers in parallel with one above the other, with the gas phase entering in parallel.