Materials of Baffle Plate

The role of a baffle plate in a heat exchanger can be summarized as follows:

1. Enhancing Heat Transfer: Baffle plates extend the flow channel length on the shell side of a heat exchanger, allowing for increased flow velocity between the tubes. This leads to greater turbulence and improved heat transfer efficiency. The turbulent flow helps in breaking the boundary layer near the tube surface, facilitating better heat exchange between the fluids.

2. Supporting Heat Exchange Tubes: In horizontal heat exchangers, baffles provide support for the heat exchange tubes. They help counteract the compressive stress experienced by the tubes, especially when they are long. By increasing the number of baffles and reducing the distance between them, within the allowable pressure drop limit, the baffle plates help maintain the mechanical integrity of the tubes and prevent excessive vibration induced by fluid flow.

3. Facilitating Tube Installation: Baffles also play a role in simplifying the installation process of heat exchange tubes. They provide structural stability and serve as guides for tube placement, ensuring proper alignment within the heat exchanger. This makes the assembly and maintenance of the heat exchanger more convenient and efficient.

What the effect of the baffle plate?

1. Increase the flow velocity of the fluid in the shell side.
2. Enhance turbulence intensity.

3. Improve heat transfer efficiency.

4. Support the heat exchange tube.