DESIGN & FABRICATION OF SHELL AND TUBE HEAT EXCHANGER

Abstract

The Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger project demonstrates an effective method of transferring heat between two fluids without direct contact, using a widely applied and industrially reliable design. In this system, one fluid flows inside a bundle of tubes, while the other moves around these tubes within an outer shell, allowing heat to transfer through the tube walls due to the temperature difference. The model provides practical insights into key heat transfer concepts, including conduction, convection, and overall thermal efficiency.

The experimental setup allows observation of parameters such as inlet and outlet temperatures, flow patterns, and heat transfer rates under controlled conditions. Construction materials like mild steel and metallic tubes are selected for their strong thermal conductivity and mechanical durability. This project illustrates how shell and tube heat exchangers are essential in industries like power generation, chemical processing, refrigeration, and other process industries.

By recovering and reusing thermal energy, the system highlights energy efficiency improvements. Its simple design, easy maintenance, and ability to operate under high pressures and temperatures make it highly reliable. Overall, this prototype offers hands-on learning while emphasizing the critical role of heat exchangers in energy conservation and thermal system optimization.