In a shell and tube heat exchanger, square pitch compared to triangular pitch

Solution (By Examveda Team)

In a shell and tube heat exchanger, the arrangement or spacing of the tubes within the shell can have different effects on various parameters, including pressure drop and heat transfer efficiency. Let's examine each option:

Option A: Gives a higher shell side pressure drop
This statement is generally correct. In a shell and tube heat exchanger with a square pitch arrangement, the tubes are spaced more closely together compared to a triangular pitch arrangement. The closer spacing can lead to a higher pressure drop on the shell side due to increased resistance to the flow of the fluid around the tubes.

Option B: Gives a lower shell side pressure drop
This statement is generally not correct. As mentioned earlier, the square pitch arrangement typically results in a higher pressure drop on the shell side due to the closer tube spacing.

Option C: Can pack more surface area into a shell of given diameter
This statement is generally correct. The square pitch arrangement allows for a higher density of tubes within the same shell diameter, which means more heat transfer surface area can be packed into the same space compared to a triangular pitch arrangement.

Option D: Both (A) and (B)
This option is not accurate because it suggests contradictory effects on pressure drop.

Option E: Both (A) and (C)
This option is accurate. Square pitch compared to triangular pitch can indeed result in both a higher shell side pressure drop (Option A) and the ability to pack more surface area into a shell of given diameter (Option C).

So, the correct answer is Option E: Both (A) and (C) in the context of square pitch compared to triangular pitch in a shell and tube heat exchanger.