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Dynamics
P M V Subbarao
Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department
I I T Delhi
If the baffle cut is too small, the flow will jet through the window
area and flow unevenly through the baffle compartment.
If the baffle cut is too large, the flow will short-cut close to the
baffle edge and avoid cross-mixing within the baffle
compartment.
A baffle cut that is either too large or too small can increase the
potential for fouling in the shell.
In both cases, recirculation zones of poorly mixed flow cause
thermal maldistribution that reduces heat transfer.
To divert as much heat-carrying flow across the tube bundle as
possible, adjacent baffles should overlap by at least one tube row.
This requires a baffle cut that is less than one-half of the shell
inside diameter.
Non-Optimal Baffle Cut & Fouling Zones
Ds
LBCH
LBCH/Ds
Too small Baffle Cut Too Large Baffle Cut
Optimal Baffle Cut
The annular space between the tube and the baffle hole
is either mechanically closed or a bushing is inserted to
eliminate any fluid leak across the clearance between
the baffle hole and the tube.
Realization of Ideal Flow : Condition - 3