In case of a shell and tube heat exchanger, the minimum and maximum baffle spacing is respectively (where, D = inside diameter of the shell)
A. $$\frac{{\text{D}}}{5}$$ and D
B. $$\frac{{\text{D}}}{2}$$ and 2D
C. $$\frac{{\text{D}}}{4}$$ and 2D
D. D and 2D
Answer: Option A
This Question Belongs to Chemical Engineering >> Heat Transfer
Join The Discussion
Comments (1)
Related Questions on Heat Transfer
A. 3.06 × 105
B. 6.12 × 105
C. 7.24 × 105
D. 9.08 × 105
Fqra cold viscous feed, backward feed gives __________ than forward feed.
A. A higher capacity
B. A lower capacity
C. Lower economy
D. None of these
A. Twice
B. Four times
C. Square root of
D. Square of
The correct answer is: C. D/4 and 2D
✅ Explanation:
In a shell and tube heat exchanger, baffle spacing significantly affects both heat transfer performance and pressure drop on the shell side.
Let D be the inside diameter of the shell.
🔹 Minimum baffle spacing:
Typically recommended to be not less than D/5 to D/4
Too small spacing: Increases pressure drop excessively
Standard design practice often uses D/4 as the minimum
🔹 Maximum baffle spacing:
Generally limited to 2D
Too large spacing: Reduces shell-side turbulence and can allow tubes to vibrate, risking mechanical failure
📝 Correct interpretation of options (with proper formatting):
Option Minimum Baffle Spacing Maximum Baffle Spacing
A D/5 D
B D/2 2D
C ✅ D/4 2D
D D 2D
✅ Final Answer: C. D/4 and 2D