Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchanger Design & Analysis

This Python application designs and analyzes a shell-and-tube heat exchanger for use in Asset Performance Management (APM) systems. It supports both LMTD and epsilon-NTU sizing methods, counterflow and parallel flow arrangements, and reads all configuration and fluid property data from user-editable files.

Features

• Reads input from config.yaml (flow rates, temperatures, pressures, geometry, etc.)
• Fluid properties loaded from fluids.csv (density, Cp, viscosity)
• Supports both counterflow and parallel flow
• Sizing by LMTD or epsilon-NTU method (set in config)
• Computes:
  • Required heat transfer area
  • Number of tubes
  • Pressure drop (shell and tube sides)
  • Outlet temperatures
  • Effectiveness
• Generates plots:
  • temperature_distribution.png: Temperature profile along the exchanger
  • effectiveness_vs_ntu.png: Effectiveness as a function of NTU
• Easily extensible for APM dashboard or API integration

Setup

1. Clone or download this repository.
2. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Edit config.yaml and fluids.csv as needed for your scenario.

Usage

Run the main script:

python main.py

Input Files

• config.yaml: Main configuration (see sample for required fields)
• fluids.csv: Fluid property database (density, Cp, viscosity)

Output

• Console output with all key results
• Plots saved as:
  • temperature_distribution.png
  • effectiveness_vs_ntu.png

Extending/Integrating

• The code is modular and ready for integration into APM dashboards or APIs.
• Add new fluids to fluids.csv as needed.
• Expand utils.py for more unit conversions or property correlations.

License

MIT License (or specify your own)