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Xphe Workshop

Course Fee: US$450


If you work with plate-and-frame geometries, Xphe® is the software for you. In this workshop you will discover how to use HTRI’s graphical tool for rating plate-and-frame heat exchanger designs and for conducting comparative studies of plate-and-frame versus shell-and-tube design solutions for specific applications. You will learn how Xphe handles single-phase and two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop for common corrugated plate patterns in a variety of configurations, from single-pass, single-plate arrangements to multipass, mixed plate designs. You will also leave with a better understanding of the analytical methods used in Xphe. Note that crossflow plate-and-block type arrangements are not accommodated in Xphe and are therefore not covered in this workshop.

Key Topics

  • Overview of Xphe capabilities and applications (single-/multiple-plate types and passes, non-Newtonian fluid specification, port maldistribution, and more...)
  • Process specifications for rating, simulation, and design
  • Guidelines for specifying fluid properties
  • Geometry input
  • Introduction to HTRI analysis methods

Suggested Participants

Process and thermal design engineers that evaluate plate-and-frame heat exchanger performance

Course credits: 6 hours (PDH/CEU)


Outline

  1. Introduction to Plate-and-Frame Technology
    • Characteristics and applications
    • Pros and cons vs. shell-and-tube heat exchangers
    • Geometry configurations

  2. Process Specifications 
    • Common uses
    • Interface overview 
    • Case modes and process specification

  3. Fluid Properties
    • Specification options 
    • Non-Newtonian fluids 

  4. Geometry Input
    •  Key geometry input features in Xphe

  5. Methods
    • Single-phase
    • Boiling
    • Condensing

Currently Scheduled


Upcoming Instructors

  • Matthew Berger


  • Senior Project Engineer, Engineering Services, graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA. While a co-op student at Gibbons Creek power plant, Berger performed performance reviews of pumps, pulverizers, and feedwater heaters. Following graduation, he progressed to project engineer and engineering manager roles for FTS International, leading engineering projects on various topics such as pulsation control, equipment redesign, software implementation, and vibration analysis. Since joining HTRI, his primary focus has been on proprietary contracts and the Edgeview software, as well as involvement in Technical Support and Training.


  • LiDong Huang


  • Principal Engineer, Experimental Research, holds a BS from Shanghai Maritime University and an MS from University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. He received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA, where he studied and developed methods for predicting subcooled flow boiling, film boiling, and critical heat flux. Before joining HTRI, Huang worked as an instructor and thermal engineer in the Department of Marine Engineering at Shanghai Maritime University. Since joining HTRI, he has focused primarily on boiling and two-phase flow phenomena but also has done some experimental and analytical work on plate heat exchangers, organic fouling, and single-phase mixed convection. Huang has taught numerous courses for HTRI. He is a member of ASME and a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas.