Numerical study on the distribution characteristics of aluminum plate-fin heat exchangers according to the distributor aspect ratio

Abstract

Aluminum plate-fin heat exchangers (ALPHEs) are widely used in petroleum and gas-treated processes. The performance of the ALPHE is strongly dependent on the distribution characteristics of the header and the distributors of each fluid. In this paper, we define the aspect ratio in the side-entry type distributor and analyze the distribution characteristics using CFD-based numerical methods. The phenomena of velocity deviation and distribution with the aspect ratio and the inlet Reynolds number were analyzed by applying relative and absolute maldistribution parameters, and an optimum aspect ratio with the inlet Reynolds number was presented. © 2011 The Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers.