Heat Exchanger Transient Thermal Simulation - CADE Engineering
Transient Thermal Simulations are an essential tool for heat exchangers structural and thermal analysis. These simulations are indispensable due to the high influence of thermal gradients from transient operating cycles and extremely heavy thermal shocks that cause overall mechanical damages in critical areas (tube bundle, tube-plates welded joints, inlet and outlet nozzels and heads, …).
On this video, the temperature evolution of the tubesheet and front head area is shown along the operating cycle of a heat exchanger. In the example, the inlet fluid produces a thermal shock that can originate high thermal gradients of about 160ºC, between the tube side and the shell side.
This is translated into areas of high stress concentration at the tubes, whose consequence is the appearance of small cracks. For this type of simulations, a data life cycle becomes necessary to implement relevant information on its finite element model, such as bulk temperatures and convective heat transfer coefficients in different areas of the heat exchanger.
At CADE, our mechanical engineers and simulation experts work hand in hand with our process engineers, in order to perform the heat exchangers analysis in the most realistic way possible. Therefore, we’re able to detect failure modes that usually can’t be detected through conventional analysis and, as a result, operating processes can be improved and optimized.
During Thermal Transient Simulations, most common design standards’ failure modes (ASME VIII DIV 2, EN 13445, AD MERKBLATTER 2000...) must be taken into consideration, in order to avoid future equipment damages and mechanical failures.
We are specialized in advanced analysis and simulations services for static equipment (heat exchangers, columns, reactors,… ) and piping systems in industrial and energy plants.
More info at https://cadeengineering.com/