Shell Side Pressure Drop In Heat Exchanger Calculator

Shell Side Pressure Drop Formula:

\[ \Delta P_{Shell} = (8 \times J_f \times \frac{L_{Tube}}{L_{Baffle}} \times \frac{D_s}{D_e}) \times \frac{\rho_{fluid}}{2} \times V_f^2 \times (\frac{\mu_{fluid}}{\mu_{Wall}})^{-0.14} \]

Friction Factor (Jf):

Length of Tube (LTube):

Baffle Spacing (LBaffle):

Shell Diameter (Ds):

Equivalent Diameter (De):

Fluid Density (ρfluid):

kg/m³

Fluid Velocity (Vf):

m/s

Fluid Viscosity at Bulk Temperature (μfluid):

Pa·s

Fluid Viscosity at Wall Temperature (μWall):

Pa·s

Shell Side Pressure Drop (ΔPShell):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is Shell Side Pressure Drop?

Shell Side Pressure Drop is defined as the reduction in pressure of the fluid that was allocated on the shell side of a Heat Exchanger. It represents the energy loss due to friction and flow resistance as the fluid passes through the shell side of the exchanger.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Shell Side Pressure Drop formula:

\[ \Delta P_{Shell} = (8 \times J_f \times \frac{L_{Tube}}{L_{Baffle}} \times \frac{D_s}{D_e}) \times \frac{\rho_{fluid}}{2} \times V_f^2 \times (\frac{\mu_{fluid}}{\mu_{Wall}})^{-0.14} \]

Where:

\( J_f \) — Friction Factor (dimensionless)
\( L_{Tube} \) — Length of Tube (m)
\( L_{Baffle} \) — Baffle Spacing (m)
\( D_s \) — Shell Diameter (m)
\( D_e \) — Equivalent Diameter (m)
\( \rho_{fluid} \) — Fluid Density (kg/m³)
\( V_f \) — Fluid Velocity (m/s)
\( \mu_{fluid} \) — Fluid Viscosity at Bulk Temperature (Pa·s)
\( \mu_{Wall} \) — Fluid Viscosity at Wall Temperature (Pa·s)

Explanation: The equation accounts for various geometric and fluid dynamic factors that influence pressure drop on the shell side of heat exchangers.

3. Importance of Shell Side Pressure Drop Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure drop calculation is crucial for proper heat exchanger design, pump selection, energy consumption estimation, and ensuring optimal heat transfer performance while maintaining acceptable pressure losses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure all values are positive and within reasonable ranges for heat exchanger applications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for friction factor in shell side flow?
A: Friction factors typically range from 0.001 to 0.01 depending on Reynolds number and tube arrangement.

Q2: How does baffle spacing affect pressure drop?
A: Closer baffle spacing increases turbulence and heat transfer but also increases pressure drop. Optimal spacing balances heat transfer efficiency with acceptable pressure loss.

Q3: What is equivalent diameter in shell side flow?
A: Equivalent diameter represents the hydraulic diameter for non-circular flow passages and is calculated based on the flow area and wetted perimeter.

Q4: Why is viscosity ratio included in the formula?
A: The viscosity ratio accounts for the temperature-dependent viscosity variation between bulk fluid and wall temperature, which affects flow characteristics.

Q5: What are acceptable pressure drop values for shell side flow?
A: Typical acceptable values range from 10-70 kPa depending on the application, with higher values requiring more pumping power.