The optimal design of welded plate heat exchanger with intensified heat transfer for ammonia synthesis column

The modification of heat exchanger networks of industrial enterprises targeting energy saving solutions requires proper heat transfer equipment. The estimation of the optimal design parameters for heat exchangers requires reliable mathematical models for the description of the thermo-hydraulic processes inside the channels, and adequate optimisation methods. This work proposes the novel mathematical model and optimisation algorithm for the selection of welded plate heat exchanger (WPHE) operating in ammonia synthesis column. It enables finding the optimal design with the specified shape of the corrugated plates, distribution of flows and number of plates and passes. The developed algorithm is implemented in Mathcad software. The application of the proposed approach is illustrated by example in which the resulted WPHE with the cross flow in one pass and overall symmetric counterflow of streams has shown a reduction of heat transfer area 25 % compared to previously tested in industry WPHE with unsymmetric passes arrangement

Mathematical modelling of the thermal and hydraulic behaviour of plate heat exchanger in the fouling conditions

The mathematical model of Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) subjected to fouling is proposed. It is represented by the system of ordinary differential equations. The model is accounting for the distribution of process parameters along the PHE channel that allows predicting fouling development in time at different locations along the channel length. The development of the fouling deposit is accounted with the fouling model presented by the equation in dimensionless form. The relative influence of different terms is characterized by empirical coefficients which can be identified with the data of monitoring the PHE thermal and hydraulic performance. The model allows also the prediction of pressure drop variation in PHE with the development of fouling deposition layer and respective reduction in channels cross-section area. The application of the model and its accuracy is demonstrated with two case studies considering the monitoring of PHEs thermal and hydraulic performance in the industry at sugar factory and in District Heating system