Heat Exchanger Thermal Sizing Guide
Sizing a shell and tube heat exchanger depends on heat duty, flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, physical properties, allowable pressure drop and fouling. The more details you can provide, the more accurate our design will be. If you're not sure about some of the information, that's okay – we can help.
| What Information Do We Need? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fluids | What are the process fluids (hot and cold side) | |
| Flow Rates | How much of each fluid flows through the exchanger? | |
| Temperatures | Inlet and outlet temperatures for both fluids | |
| Operating Pressure | Normal and start up and shut down cases | |
| Allowable Pressure Drop | Maximum allowable pressure drop (tube and shell side) | |
| Phase | Liquid, vapor, two-phase | |
| Fouling | Expected fouling factors | |
| Physical Properties | Density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, heat capacity | |
| Materials | Material requirements or limitations |
Heat Duty
Higher duties require more area
Temperature Difference
A smaller temperature difference usually requires more surface area
Phase Change
Condensation or boiling typically increases heat transfer rates
Fouling and Pressure Drop
Fouling and allowable pressure drop can increase the size
Sensible Heating or Cooling
Involves a temperature change without a phase change. Examples: process coolers, oil heaters, glycol coolers, water-to-water exchangers.
Phase Change (Boiling or Condensation)
Involves condensation or vaporization at nearly constant temperature. Examples: condensers, reboilers, evaporators, vaporizers.
Need Help Sizing an Exchanger?
Send us your process information and our engineering team can help you determine the right size and configuration for your application.