Numerical investigation of shell-side performance for shell and tube heat exchangers with two different clamping type anti-vibration baffles

Inspired by curve-rod baffle shell and tube heat exchanger (CRB-STHX), a new type of hexagon clamping anti-vibration baffle shell and tube heat exchanger (HCB-STHX) is proposed to overcome the vibration vulnerability of round rod baffle shell and tube heat exchanger (RRB-STHX). The assembling processes of HCB-STHX and CRB-STHX are illustrated. The flow and heat transfer characteristics on shell side are compared and analyzed numerically by CFD method. The effects of several factors such as velocity, baffle distance, baffle width, baffle profile, and baffle layout on thermal–hydraulic performance are investigated in full developed turbulence regime with Reynolds numbers ranging from 10,849 to 32,547. The results indicate that HCB is more suitable for large and heavy tube bundle due to its better rigidity; HCB has a better heat transfer enhancement but a poorer overall performance (indexed by PEC) than CRB; the baffle distance has a significant effect on thermal–hydraulic performance while the baffle width does not; with PEC concerned, the shape of the profile of CRB is superior to that of HCB; compared with baffle in parallel layout, baffle in perpendicular layout can enhance heat transfer, while the former is convenient for manufacturing and assembling.