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Heat Exchanger Troubleshooting Short Course

Course Fee: US$650

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Design decisions can have a costly impact on heat exchanger operation. In this course, you learn by reviewing several real cases in which unit designs had critical commercial consequences for operators/ owners. Among other topics, this course may address

  • assessment of acoustic vibration in rectangular ducted bundles (Xace®)
  • vibration analysis of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger (Xist® and Xvib®), including a review of the velocity scaling applied to tubes near impingement plate edges
  • sizing of annular distributor (vapor belt) and associated tube vibration analysis (Xist and Xvib)
  • root cause analysis of tube failures in a steam generator (a reboiler/steam drum configuration modeled as a thermosiphon reboiler in Xist)
  • design review of an air-cooler/condenser (Xace) with excessive tubeside pressure drop during winter operation

In some cases, the units did not work in service; in others, the designs were revamped before the units began operation. Each case study is introduced as a problem; participants work individually or in groups to determine the cause and develop solutions. Prior to each case, the instructor reviews related HTRI methods. 

Suggested Participants

Engineers—from novice to expert—who want to ensure that design problems are identified before operation

HTRI Software

This course will make use of the following HTRI software: Xchanger Suite® components Xist®, Xace®, and Xvib®.  All training materials are based on the current software version.

Course Credits: 6 hours (PDH/CEU)


Outline

  1. Case 1: Steam generator with tube failure

  2. Case 2: Air-cooler with excessive pressure drop during winter operation

  3. Case 3: Shell erosion in an ethylene dichloride condenser

  4. Case 4: Waste heat recovery unit with acoustic resonance

Currently Scheduled


Upcoming Instructors

  • Matthew Berger


  • Senior Project Engineer, Engineering Services, graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA. While a co-op student at Gibbons Creek power plant, Berger performed performance reviews of pumps, pulverizers, and feedwater heaters. Following graduation, he progressed to project engineer and engineering manager roles for FTS International, leading engineering projects on various topics such as pulsation control, equipment redesign, software implementation, and vibration analysis. Since joining HTRI, his primary focus has been on proprietary contracts and the Edgeview software, as well as involvement in Technical Support and Training.

  • Peter Joosten


  • Senior Consulting Engineer & Regional Sales Manager, Australia/Oceania, works with HTRI’s Engineering Services and Global Sales teams. His principal responsibilities include developing and conducting training programs, providing technical support, and promoting membership in the HTRI consortium. He earned a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Fontys University of Applied Science, Venlo, The Netherlands. Prior to joining HTRI, Joosten was a Senior Heat Transfer Engineer at W. E. Smith Engineering, Coffs Harbour, Australia. His primary role was the thermal design and analysis of all types of shell-and-tube exchangers, air coolers, economizers, feedwater heaters, and steam surface condensers. He was also responsible for the mechanical design and stress analysis of these units, as well as for analyzing and resolving operational issues. His previous experience with HTRI software gives him a valuable end-user perspective.