Compact exchangers

Figure 8.8. Plate and spiral compact exchangers, (a) Plate heat exchanger with corrugated plates, gaskets, frame, and corner portals to control flow paths, (b) Flow patterns in plate exchangers, (i) parallel-counter flows (ii) countercurrent flows (iii) parallel flows throughout, (c) Spiral exchanger, vertical, and horizontal cross sections.

A number of heat-exchanger surfaces do not fall into the categories discussed in the foregoing sections. Most notable are the compact exchangers which achieve a very high surface area per unit volume. These exchangers are most... 

The heat transfer and friction factor for two typical compact exchangers are shown in Figs. 10-19 and 10-20. The Stanton and Reynolds numbers are based on the mass velocities in the minimum flow cross-sectional area and a hydraulic diameter stated in the figure. 

CXR [Compact exchange Reforming] A process for converting natural gas into syngas. Developed from 1996 jointly by Methanex, Synetix and ABB Lummus Global, but subsequently abandoned. 

The various designs of heat exchangers are well illustrated in standard texts and in the literature [3,4,5,6,7,8,9]. Recently, Pooley et al. [10] developed algorithms for both shell and tube exchangers and compact exchangers. Their algorithms rely on the allowable pressure drops of both of the streams being contacted. 

Other special and compact exchangers, which provide large heat-transfer areas in a small volume, are described in the literature. 

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