Plate Heat Exchanger Performance Analysis
Analyzed the thermal performance of a 7-plate 316 stainless steel heat exchanger by determining empirical Nusselt correlation coefficients and evaluating heat transfer coefficients under varying flow conditions. Applied nonlinear regression to develop predictive models for heat exchanger design optimization.
Technical Skills Demonstrated
Heat Exchanger Operation
- 316 stainless steel plate heat exchanger setup
- Counter-current flow configuration
- Flow rate variation (1-10 GPM hot and cold)
- Temperature measurement using thermocouples
Heat Transfer Analysis
- Overall heat transfer coefficient calculation
- Log mean temperature difference (LMTD) application
- Energy balance deviation analysis (±54.91%)
- Reynolds and Prandtl number calculations
Empirical Modeling
- Nusselt correlation development (Nu = C₁Re^C₂Pr^1/3)
- Nonlinear regression coefficient determination
- 95% confidence interval analysis
- Model validation with experimental data
Process Performance Evaluation
- Energy conservation assessment (70-95% efficiency)
- Flow ratio effect analysis (ṁc/ṁh)
- Turbulent flow characterization
- Equipment performance benchmarking
Key Engineering Results
C₁ = 0.0856
Nusselt Correlation Coefficient
95% confidence interval [0.0339, 0.1374] for turbulent flow
C₂ = 0.9370
Reynolds Number Exponent
95% confidence interval [0.8624, 1.0115] indicating turbulent regime
R² > 0.98
Model Correlation
Strong linear correlation between predicted and measured U values
Engineering Significance: The empirical Nusselt correlation coefficients fall within literature ranges for compact plate heat exchangers, confirming turbulent flow behavior. The strong correlation (R² > 0.98) between predicted and measured heat transfer coefficients validates the model for design applications. Energy balance deviations within ±55% demonstrate reasonable experimental consistency for lab-scale equipment, with most trials achieving >70% thermal efficiency.
Complete Research Report
Detailed methodology, correlation development, and thermal performance analysis