Computational Fluid Dynamics

Utilizing the Power of CFD

CFD analysis is one of the most successful and comprehensive methods of solving heat exchanger problems. HTRI effectively uses CFD simulation in its research and contract projects to improve heat exchanger performance for customers worldwide. HTRI’s ongoing experimental research provides physical insights to developing appropriate CFD approaches and wider opportunities for validation.

Download CFD Info Sheet

Velocity magnitude and direction through air-cooled
heat exchanger — Velocity magnitude and direction through air-cooled heat exchanger

How We Can Help

CFD studies can assist in the design stage to identify potential problems as well as resolve operational issues after the exchanger is in service. We have used CFD to solve many clients’ heat exchanger problems in plants:

Maldistribution?

Detailed flow velocities and temperature distribution across the exchanger bundle

Bundle dryout resulting in decreased heat transfer?

Kettle circulation and vapor fraction profiles

Comparison of visual observations of Gebbie and Jensen

Potential fouling?

Extent of flow stagnation regions, local shear stress

CFD helps to locate recirculation and low velocity zones that are prone to fouling

Poor utilization of allowable pressure drop?

Pressure gradient

Shortened equipment life cycle?

Shear and pressure forces on components

Flow maldistribution and excessive pressure drop?

Flow profile in header or channel

$Contours of water volume fraction through four rows of single-pass ACHE inlet header$

Low benefit-to-cost ratio for heat transfer enhancement techniques?

Heat flux and pressure drop of enhanced geometries

Excessive tube vibration?

Flow distribution in tube bundles, actual 3D velocity profile for annular distributor or impingement device

Lower performance due to bypassing?

Distribution of shellside flow

Velocity profiles in tube-to-baffle clearances

Why is CFD from HTRI Valuable to Members and Clients?

Quick turnaround
Cost effective
Guidance from industry know-how
Synergy with Xchanger Suite^®, our design software
Experience with analysis of heat exchangers
Validation with testing

HTRI’s Personal Approach

Our researchers meticulously review your problem from every angle and utilize state-of-the-art analysis tools to

outline an efficient computational modeling approach
define simulation boundary and initial conditions and outputs
generate a mesh consistent with the computational approach
simulate the case with appropriate software packages, including those with multiphysics capabilities
post-process the results and prepare a comprehensive report containing your engineering solution