Control of corrosion-erosion of tube inlets of shell and tube heat exchangers

Earlier investigations showed that excessive corrosion of the first few diameters of standard shell and tube heat exchangers is the consequence of an unfavourable flow pattern in the inlet channel. Flow correction devices were incorporated in a model shell and tube heat exchanger to alter the existing flow pattern to give an axial flow into the tubes in order to reduce tube inlet corrosion. The resulting modified flow characteristics were studied by flow visualization and velocity distribution measurements. Recommendations regarding optimum dimensions and positioning of the various flow correction devices are made.