Heat exchanger configuration selection
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I would like to ask everyone: what determines the flow pattern in a heat exchanger, and what effects does adding more flow paths have on the heat exchange efficiency? It would be best to provide examples of situations in which a single-flow heat exchanger is not sufficient, thus prompting the use of a multi-flow heat exchanger. I would appreciate some guidance from experts!
Check the heat exchanger design manual; it contains information on the design, selection, calculations, and more for various types of heat exchangers···
The flow pattern in a heat exchanger is determined by the flow velocity. An increase in flow velocity results in a higher heat transfer coefficient, but it also increases the resistance. For example, in steam-water heat exchange, water flows between the tubes, with a flow velocity of generally 0.8–1.5 m/s. If the flow velocity between the tubes is lower than 0.8 during calculations, the heat transfer coefficient decreases and the required heat exchange area increases. To reduce the heat exchange area, it is necessary to increase the flow velocity, and the ways to do this include changing the tube diameter, increasing the number of flow paths, or reducing the number of tubes. If changing the tube diameter or reducing the number of tubes does not meet the operational requirements, then it is necessary to increase the number of flow paths. These are just my personal opinions; please forgive me if there is anything wrong with them
I have previously uploaded \"Practical Techniques for Heat Exchangers\" on this forum, and it explains everything in detail; you might as well take the time to read it.