Abstract

Baffles are flow-directing or obstructing vanes or panels used in some industrial process vessels (tanks), such as shell and tube heat exchangers, chemical reactors, and static mixers. Baffles are an integral part of the shell and tube heat exchanger design. A baffle is designed to support tube bundles and direct the flow of fluids for maximum efficiency. Baffle design and tolerances for heat exchangers are discussed in the standards of the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA). This use of continuous helical baffles reduces shell-side pressure drop and helps improve heat transfer performance of shell and tube heat exchanger. Properly designed continuous helical baffles can reduce fouling in the shell side and prevent the flow- induced vibration as well. The use of continuous helical baffles results in nearly 10% increase in heat transfer coefficient compared with that of conventional segmental baffles for the same shell-side pressure drop. Helical baffles are employed increasingly in shell-and-tube heat exchangers (helix exchangers) for their significant advantages in reducing pressure drop, vibration, and fouling while maintaining a higher heat transfer performance.