ABSTRACT
Convective boiling in shell-and-tube heat exchangers plays a vital role in many industrial heat transfer processes. Unfortunately, most convective boiling correlations found in the open literature cannot be used to design industrial vaporizers because of the complex nature of bundle geometries and the fluids processed. This situation is difficult to remedy because industrial-scale experimentation is very expensive.
This paper addresses shellside convective boiling phenomena in shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Shellside convective boiling calculations are an important design element of thermosiphon reboilers, feed-effluent exchangers, and flooded refrigeration evaporators. The problems often encountered during design and operation of these exchangers are summarized. Fundamental heat transfer methods are discussed, including basic relationships for both pure components and mixtures, and critical-heat-flux (CHF) phenomena such as departure from nucleate boiling (DNB) and annular mist flow. Practical examples are given to demonstrate how various process variables affect local heat transfer phenomena in industrial shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Finally, some of the vital research needs of these exchangers are outlined based on the shortcomings or lack of adequate design methods.
