Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Shell-Side Flow Distribution Effects on Axial Flow Heat Exchangers

摘要

Whenever high performance, low pressure drop, compact gas-to-gas heat exchangers are required, such as in some high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) applications, straight tube axial flow heat exchangers should be considered. These heat exchangers satisfy the general performance, geometry, and inspection requirements for such applications. However, because the shell-side coolant must enter and leave the heat exchanger in the radial flow direction, it is possible for flow maldistributions to develop, which can reduce the thermal performance and generate tube-to-tube thermal gradients that could cause thermal stress problems. The results of an investigation of these effects and possible design measures that could be used to reduce or eliminate these problems are reported. (ERA citation 07:004072)