(48c) The Future of Shellside Thermal Performance Research

Flow and temperature distribution on the shellside of a TEMA shell-and-tube exchanger is complex and has been the subject of extensive research. Bell first presented a comprehensive shellside design method based on the work in the Delaware project more than 60 years ago. Since then, the stream analysis method has evolved and been incorporated into incremental calculations in commercial design software. Research has continued into shellside thermal performance to meet technology developments and changing demands in industry. Current research into non-TEMA baffle designs, models for high effectiveness applications and enhanced heat transfer surfaces provide the foundation for future performance improvements of shell-and tube heat exchangers. A review of shellside research will be summarized, current issues discussed and future focus areas proposed.