EROSION ANALYSIS OF SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER WITH PT. PERTAMINA
Using Computational Fluid dynamics method to design and optimize impingemenet plate size and configuration.
A few details
Project Description
This study was conducted to analyze the erosion in the inlet region of a shell and tube heat exchanger, which directly hits the tubes nearby with high velocity. In this case, engineers from PT. Pertamina observed erosion in this unit in a certain location, and try to prevent this by attaching an impingement plate in that location. This method is selected because of its simplicity. The impingement plate is a plate to prevent erosion which is welded to the tubes or baffles.
Unfortunately, after the impingement plate was attached, the erosion location has changed because of the alteration of local high velocity, which is in the tubes of the plate sides. This is a very complex 3D flow problem and cant be solved intuitively or analytically. The trial and error method is also unfeasible considering the material and manpower cost, moreover, the stopping of this unit will also cost the overall production process.
How we solved it
Our approach
The best method to solve this problem is by using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Using CFD, we can easily model the detailed flow pattern and do numerous trials and errors to find the best impingement plate size, configuration, and shape hence minimizing erosion but maintaining the heat exchanger performance.
In this case, engineers from PT. Pertamina collaborated with AE Service team using OpenFOAM CFD software which is an open-source but very powerful CFD platform.
