Analytical and Numerical Design Analysis of Concentric Tube Heat Exchangers – A Review

This paper considers an analytical and a numerical approach in the design of a concentric tube heat exchanger. Sensible heat transfer is considered in the analysis and the heat exchanger is developed for actual operating conditions in a chemical plant. The heat exchanger is a concentric tube heat exchanger where hot oil exchanges heat with hot water. Hot oil is in the inner pipe and the heating medium, hot water, is in the outer pipe (annular side) of the heat exchanger. An analytical model employing effectiveness-number of transfer units (ε-NTU) approach and log mean temperature difference (LMTD) approach were employed in the design of the concentric tube heat exchanger. In the design process, performance charts were developed for concentric tube heat exchanger. Performance charts describe the performance of the heat exchanger in terms of crucial dimensionless parameters. Performance charts help to select the right number of transfer units (NTU) for the given heat exchanger. Both parallel and counter flow configurations were considered for the design analysis. Likewise, a numerical model was also considered in the design of the heat exchanger. The results from the analysis are presented and compared. From the results it can be seen that both numerical and analytical approaches produce the exact same results. The designer certainly has the flexibility to choose an appropriate design methodology based on the available inputs and requirements.