Fatigue Analysis on Heat Exchanger Coil

FEA Model of the Heat Exchanger using a Single Tube Pass Due to Symmetry
CAD Model of Heat Exchanger Coil
CAD Model of Heat Exchanger Coil
FEA Model of the Heat Exchanger using a Single Tube Pass Due to Symmetry
FEA Model - Single Pass

Keywords: Fatigue Analysis; Heat Exchanger; Cyclic Thermal and Pressure Transients

A fatigue analysis was performed on a heat exchanger coil in accordance with ASME Section VIII, Division 2, Part 5. The heat exchanger is designed to heat natural gas for the regeneration of drying beds. 

Since it undergoes cyclic thermal and pressure transients, the unit has been designated as a pressure vessel in accordance with AS1210-2010. The connecting piping was designed in accordance with AS4041-2006.

Thermal and stress analyses were performed on the unit in order to calculate design cycle life. The geometry of the unit and its operating cycles were provided by the client. The unit consists of a set of inlet and outlet manifolds with three independent tube passes carrying the process gas. There are thirty-six (36) 3532 mm-tubes and seventy 180-degree elbows in each tube pass.

Fins were placed around the upper twenty-seven tubes. Based on our review of the unit geometry and loading, only one of the passes needed to be modeled for analyses. All fins on the tube connecting to the outlet manifold were individually modeled. ANSYS finite element analysis (FEA) software was used in all analyses.

The following loading conditions were considered in the structural analyses:
• Thermal Transient Plus Gravity
• Switching from Low to High Pressure plus Thermal Transient plus Gravity
• Switching from High to Low Pressure plus Thermal Transient plus Gravity
• Start up to Low Pressure
• Start up to High Pressure

 

We Perform Fatigue Analysis on Equipment for Clients in Various Industries including Manufacturing, Petrochemical and Energy.

(412) 835-5007

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