Question

In shell and tube heat exchanger, baffles are mainly used to                                                                                                    

      (a) Increase the mixing of fluid

      (b) Increase the heat transfer area

      (c) Deflect the flow in desired direction

      (d) Reduce fouling of the tube surface

Answer 1

C   (Source NPTEL)

Shell-side baffles have two functions. The first is to create turbulence in the shell side fluid by changing the flow pattern parallel or cross flow to the tube bundles and thus increases the shell side heat transfer coefficient. The second major function of these baffles is to support the tube all along its length otherwise the tube may bend