Evaluating and optimizing performance of shell and tube heat exchanger using excel-solver

Abstract

Heat exchangers in the oil and gas industry play an important role as heat exchangers. In this research, shell-and-tube heat exchanger was chosen because this type of heat exchanger is the most widely used in the industry in general and in the oil and gas industry in particular. This research was conducted to determine the performance of shell and tube type heat exchangers in terms of thermal and hydraulic. Data acquisition is done by observing in the field. So that the data processing and calculation results are obtained as follows: Fouling factor operation 0.02823 (hr.ft2.F/Btu) higher than design 0.00485 (hr.ft2.F/Btu), Shell side pressure drop of 19.73 psi has over the maximum permissible of 10 psi, so it is time for cleaning, tube side pressure drop of 1.47 psi is still under the maximum permissible of 10 psi the effectiveness of the operation is 57.47% less than design value of 68.73%, and the simulation using excel-solver on the dirt (operating) condition result is effectiveness can be increased to 79.93%, shell side and tube side pressure drop 6.2 psi and 9.98 psi, shell side and tube side velocity 0.98 ft/s and 9.5 ft/s respectively.