With more than 50 enhancements, Xchanger Suite 9.3 is a version you won't want to miss. Let us take you through some of the standout features that make this version truly exceptional.
Method improvements
We continually update the predictive methods in our software based on experimental data and analysis from our researchers. In Version 9.3, we updated the Resistance Proration Method (RPM) for condensation, which eliminates the requirement to specify the mole fraction inert.
Specifying an acceptable value for the mole fraction inert is challenging and often requires intervention from HTRI Technical Support to determine a value that results in an accurate mass transfer resistance to heat transfer. Our researchers discovered a way to correlate and calculate a new effective diffusion ratio parameter that accurately captures the mass transfer resistance to heat transfer. Version 9.3 no longer requires you to figure out what to specify for the mole fraction inert. And while results of individual cases may change, the modified method produces results matching measurements taken at the HTRI's Research & Technology Center.
In Version 9.3, Xist® uses local temperatures and film coefficients to calculate metal temperatures on tubesheet surfaces, which helps you avoid costly overdesign decisions. Xist produces Final Results that list average, maximum, and minimum mean metal temperatures in various tubesheet regions.
Another improvement is adding an unstable bubble flow boundary line to the flow regime map. Xist issues a warning message if your tubeside outlet is inside the unstable bubble flow envelope. You can now see how close you are to pushing outlet conditions to an unstable flow regime.
In Xace®, we improved the natural draft solution method. Instead of using an estimation method (as in Version 9.2), the software now performs a row-by-row pressure drop calculation. This allows natural draft cases to converge more efficiently.
Significant enhancements
With each new version, we look to expand the capabilities of the software. The available fluid physical property options in Xchanger Suite 9.3 include a new SAFT-VR model and open literature correlations. An installation of NIST's REFPROP is also included.
In another improvement, you can choose how you want Xist to calculate radiation heat transfer from the options available on the Input Summary panel (under Methods). If radiation is calculated, you can assess the impact on the monitors. The program also issues a message if a high amount of radiation is affecting your case.
With Version 9.3, you can automatically select multiple tubes in Xist for analysis in Xvib®. After you identify and select tubes from the output drawing in Xist, you can select Create Xvib Case for Selected Tube. This option creates a new Xvib case that provides a Summary Unit with all the different tubes that were exported. If you then run the case, a new Output Summary shows all the results from the different tubes in one convenient location.
Also new, a 2D baffle layout drawing in Xist shows you dimensions for baffle plates, U-bend support plates, and vibration support plates.
Xist 9.3 includes revisions made to TEMA RCB-2.3 and API 660 7.5.1.4, which make the U-bend thinning calculation and the minimum U-bend radius dependent on material type. Martensitic stainless, duplex stainless, super austenitic stainless, titanium, and some high nickel alloys use the new U-bend thinning calculation and the new API minimum U-bend radius criteria. This update may affect messages you see in Xist related to the construction of U-bends.
A new productivity feature in Version 9.3 is the Multi-Case Comparison, accessible in the options for creating a new case. This tool gives you the capability to view results from multiple cases side-by-side instead of needing to manipulate and track multiple case windows.
Perhaps one of the most exciting new enhancements is the ability to apply a new Engineering Checklist to a case. If you want to check rules that may not be integrated into Xchanger Suite, you can now define those rules and apply them to a case. When an Engineering Checklist is enabled, the software issues an output report that indicates at a glance if any of the rules in the checklist have failed. The report provides more details for you to investigate rule failures more efficiently.