Designing
Spiral-Plate
Heat Exchangers
Spiral-p,late ex~hangers offer compactness, a variety of f,low arrangements,
efficient heat transfer, and low maintenance costs. lihese
and other features are described, along with a shortcut design method.
P. E. MINTON, Union Carbide Corp.
Spirall heat exchangers have a number of advan-
tages over conventional shell-and-tube exchangers:
centrifugal forces increase heat transfer; the compact
configuration results in a shorter undisturbed flow
lengtH; relatively easy cleaning; and resistance to foul-
ing: These curved-flow units (spiral plate and spiral
tube") are particularly useful1 for handing viscous
or .solids-containing fluids ..
Spiral-Plate-Exchanger Fabrication
A spiral-plate excHanger is fabt'icated from two
relatively long strips of plate, which, are spaced apart
and wound around an open1 split center' to form a
pair of concentric spiral 1passages. Spacing is main-
tained uniformly along the length of the spiral by
spacer· studs welded to the. plates.
For most services, both, fluid-flow channels are
closed by alternate channels welded at both sides of
the spiral plate (Fig. 1) .. In some applications, one
of the channels is left completely open (Fig. 4) ,.
the other closed at both sides of the plate.. These
two types of construction' prevent the fluids from,
mixing.
Spiral-plate exchangers are fabricated from any
material that can' be cold worked and welded, such'
as: carbon steelj stainless steels, Hastelloy :m and: C,
nickel and nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, titanium,
and copper alloys.. Baked phenolic-resin coatings,,
among others, protecti against corrosion from· cooling
• Although the spiral-plate and spiral-tutJe exchangers or• aimHar,
their applications. and methods of· fobricaticm ore. quit• different; Thi~
article i• devoted wholly. to the spital-plate exchanger; an article in
tiM Ml:ly 18 i1we of Chemical fnginH,;ng wilt take up the 1-piral+tul:Je
exchanger. ·
For infonnation on aheU-and-tvbe exchangen, se. Ref. 8, 9,
The desion method presented is used: bf, Union Carbide Corp, for the
thermal and hydraulic det,ign of· IP!irat-p ate exchangers, and, is lOme·
wllot,dilfe,...nt from that used by the fabricator.
Reprinted from CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, May 4,. 1970• Copyright
water. Electrodes may also be wound into the assem.
bly to ano.dlcally protect surfaces ag~inst: corrosion.
Spiral-plate exchangers are normally designed' for,
the full pressure of each passage. Because the turns
of the spirall are of relatively large diameter, each
turn must. contain its design pressure,, and plate thick-
ness is somewhat restricted-for these three reasons,
the maximum design pressure is 150 psi.,. although
foX' smaller diameters the pressure. may sometimes be
higher. J.:.imitations of materials of construction gov•
ern design temperature.
Flow Arrangements and Applications
The spiral assembly can' be fitted with covers to
provide three flow patterns: (:1) both fluids in spiral
flows; (2)' one fluid in spiral flow andi the other in
· axial flow across the spiral; ( 3), one fluid: in spiral
flow and the other' in a combination of axial and
spiral i flow.
For spiral flow in both channels,. the spiral assem.
bly includes flat covers at both sides (Fig. 1). In
this arrangement, the fluids usually flow· countercur-
rently., with the cold fluid entering at the periphery
and Bowing toward' the core; and the hot fluid enter-
ing at the core andi flowing toward the periphery.
11his type of exchanger can be mounted with the
axis either vertical or horizontal. It finds wide
application' in liquid-to-liquid service,. and for gases
or condensing vapors if the volumes are not too large
for. the maximum flow area of 72 sq. in.
For spiral flow in one channel, and axial flow in
the other, the spiral assembly contains conical covers,
diShed heads, or· extensions with, flat covers (Fig. 2).
h1 this design, the passage for axial flow is open. on,
both sides, and the spiral flow channel is welded on·
both sides.
This type of exchanger is suitable for' services in·
©• 1970' by McGtaw·Hill I no. 330· West 42nd St •• New York, N.Y·. 10036
2030368834
SPI,RAL·PLATE · EXCHANGERS
SPIRAL FLOW in both channels is widely use~ig. 1 FlOW is spiral in one channel, axial in other,.-Fig. 2
which there is a large difference in the volt.unes
of the two liquids. This includes liquid-liquid service,
heating or rooling gases, condensing vapors, or as
reboilers. It may be fabricated with one or more
passes on the axial-flow side. And it can be mounted
with the axis of the spiral either vertical or hori-
zontal (usually vertically' for condensing or boiling)'·
For combiMtion flow, a conical cover dist:ibutes
the fluid into its passage (Fig. 3). Part of the spiral
is closed at• the top, and the entering fluid flows
only through the center part of, the assembly; A flat•
cover at the bottom• forces the fluid to Bow spirally
before leaving the exchanger.
This type is most· often used for condensing vapors
(mounted vertically)'· Vapors &rst flow axially until I
their volume is reduced sufficiently for finali condens-
ing and subcooling in spiral flow.
A modification of this type: the column-mounted
condenser (Fig. 4). A bottom extension is flanged
to· mate with the column. flange. Vapor flows upward
through a large central tube and: then axially across
the spiral, where it is condensed. Subcooling may
be by falling~film. cooling or by controlling a level
of condensate in the channel. In the latter case, the
vent• stream leaves in spiraf flow. This type is also
designed to allow condensate to dropointo an accumu-
lator without appreciable subcooling.
The spiral-plate exchanger offers many advantages
over the shell-and-tube exchanger·:
(1)' Single-flow passage makes it ideal for· cooling
or heating sludges or slurries. Slurries can. be proc·
essed in the spiral at velocities as low as 2 ft./sec.
For some sizes and: design pressures, eliminating the
spacer studs enables the exchanger to handle liquids
having a high content. of fioers.
(2) Distribution is good because of the single-Bow
channel.
{3) The spiraHplate exchanger. generally fouls at
much lower rates tlian the shell-and-tube exchanger
because of the single-How passage and curved-How.
path. If it fouls, it can be effectively cleaned chemi-
cally because of the single-How path and reduced
bypassing. Because the spiral can also be fabricated:
with identical! passages, it is used for services in•
which the switching of fluids allows one fluid to
remove the scale deposited by the other.. Also, be-
cause the maximum' plate width is 6 ft.,. it is easily
cleaned with. High-pressure water or steam.
(4). This exchanger is well suited for heating or
cooling viscous fluids because its LID' ratio is lower·
than. that; of tubular exchangers. Consequently, lam•
inar-flow heat .transfer is much higher for spiral plates.
When' heating or cooling a viscous fluid, the spiral
should be oriented with the axis horizontal. With
COMBINAnON FLOW is used to condense vapors-Fig. 3
the uis verticaL the viscous fluid stratifies and this
reduces heat transfer as much as 50%.
(5)' With both fluids fl.owing spirally, flow can
be countercurrent (although not truly so, because,
throughout the unit, each channel is adjoined by an
ascending and a· descending turn of the other chan-
nel! and because heat-transfer areas are not equal
for each side of the channel, the diameters. being
different). A correction factor may be applied;l how~
ever, it is so small' it can generally be ignored.
Countercurrent flow and' long passages make pos-
sible clbse temperature approaches and precise tem-
perature control.
{6) The spiral-plate exchanger avoids problems
associated with differential thennal expansion in non-
cyclic service.
(7) In axial flow, a large_flow area affords a low
pressure. drop, which becomes especially important
when condensing under vacuum.
(8) This exchanger is compact: 2;000 sq. ft. of
heat-transfer· surface in a 58-in.-dia. unit' with a 72-
in.-wide plate..
Umitations Besides Pressure
In addition to the pressure limitation· noted earlier,
the spiral-plate exchanger also has the followimg
disadvantages:
{1 Repairing it in the field is difficult. A leak
1
) generally single pass. Axial B.ow may be multipass.
cannot be plugged as in a shell~and-tube exchanger
(however, the possibility of; leakage in a spiral is less
because it is fabricated from' plate generally much
thicker than tube walls). Should a spiral need I repair-
ing, removing the covers exposes most of the welding
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/MAY 4, 1970
MODifiiED combination flow serves on colum~g. 4
of the spiral assembly. However, repairs on the inner
parts of the plates are complicated. ·
(2) The spiral•plate exchanger is sometimes pre-
cluded from serviee in which thennal eyclmg is
frequent. When used in cycling services, its mechani-.
cal. design sometimes must• be altered to provide. for
much higher stresses. Full-faced gaskets of com-
pressed asl:lestos are not generally acceptable for
cycling services because the growth' of the spiral!
plates. cuts the gasket~ which results in' excessive
bypassing and; in some cases,. erosion of the cover.
Metal-to-metal seals are generally necessary.
( 3) This exchanger · usually should not be used
when a hard deposit forms during operation, be- ·
cause the spacer studs prevent such' deposits hom
being easily· removed by drilling. When1 as £or some
pressures,. sucli studs can be omitted, this. !.imitatiOn
is not present'
( 4) For spiral-axial' flow, the temperature difference
must be corrected. The conventionali correction for
cross flow applies. Fluids are not mixed\ flows are
SHORT,tUT RATING METHOD
The shortcut rating method for spiral-plate ex-
changers depends on the same technique as that
2030368836
SPIRAL-PLATE EXCHANGERS • • •

Empirical Heat-Transfer and Pressure-Drop Rel'ationshi'.p

Eq.
No. Mechanism or Restriction EmpiricaliEquation-Heat Transfer

Spiral Flow
(l) No phase change (liquid~'• N •• > N 11u h = (11 + 3:54.D,!Du) 0~023cG (NM.)-• ·~Pr)-' 11

{2) No phase change (gas),N11. > N 11... h = (11 + 3.54 D,/D 11 } 0.0144 cG• • (D,) -•.:

(3) No phase change (!liquid), NR., < N ~<•··

Spiral or Axial Flow
(4) Condensing vapor, vertical, Na. < 2,100 k = 0.925 k [gcpL'IJ<ll]l' 1"

(5,) Condensate subcooling, vertical, N., < 2,100 h = 1.225 k/B [cB!kL.~~]' 1 '

Axia1 Fiow
1

~6) No phase change (lliquid}, N 11 , > 10,000 1

n> No phase change (gas). N Re > 10,000 h = 0.0144 c G"·". (D.) -•':

(8) Condensing vapor, horizontaH N R• < 2,100

(9) Nucleate boiling, vertical

Plate
(10) Plate, sensible heat transfer It= 12 k,./p

(11) Flate, latent heat transfer h = 12 k.,/p

Fouling
(12) Fouling, sensible heat transfer h =assumed

(13) Fouling, latent heat transfer h =assumed

Eq.
No. Mechanism or Restriction E!Tlpirical Equation>-~ressure Drop

~ [d~r Ld,1
Spiral Flow
(14) No phase change, N ~<• >N 11..- aP = 0:0011 1~-!;;5) (~r· + 1.5 + ~]
(15~, No phase change, 100 < N 11 , < Nt..c t>.P = 0·001 sL [-W Jl [. 1.035 Z!'· (~)".·" (.#-)'"
d~H (d~ 0.125) z~
-t; W
,- , 16-
+ 1.;> L- -++

(Hi) No phase change, N11. < 100 t>.P = 3,38~~~,): "(i;J" (~)
(17) Condensing t>.P = 0;000 5 -;
L [ W ]• [
d,H (d,
1.3 z•;• /,H)\''
+ 0.125) \w ' + 1'.5 +
1'L6]
AxiaJIFiow
(18) No phase change, N 11 , > 10,000 t>.P = 4 x 10-'
s d~'
(w)u
L
0.0115 z•' !!.. + 1 + 0.03 H
d,
(19) Condensing t>.P =
2
: d~?~-. (~)' • [ Oi0115,zo' ~ + 1 + 0.03 H J
Notes:
1. NR..- = 20,000(D,/D/1) 0 "
2 .. G = W.pd(Ap,,)
3. Surface-condition factor (~') for copper and steel= LO; for stainless steel= 1.7; for pol.ished surfaces= 2.5.

MA'20~EERING
 for Rating Spiral-Plate Heat Exchangers-Table I
:o-:"umerical Physical Work MecHanical
Factor Property Factor Factor Design Factor

:..T,
·'II
~
= 20.6 X ,.....
z•·•"M•·••• X
W... (T;,-TL)
flT 11
X
d,
LH•·•
(See Note 11
)

:,, = 19.6 X
W ... (T"-T,,)
X
d, (See Note 1)
. ,. flT11 LH•·•
-1 ..

.! 77,
X
M'''(z,)•·" X W 2' 3 (T 11 -TL} X
d, (See Note 1)
=32.6 s"'' (,z.p.u flT 11 LH"i7•
·II

= 3.8 X
M''"Z'', X
W'',A
X
1
cs• ll.T• £-I•H
M''"Zl'11 W• 11 (T .. -Td 1
~ 1.18 X 8 .,. X X H•t•L•t•
ll.T~r

= 167 X
z•·•4•M•·"' X
W0·'(TH-TL) X
d,
J
8 ..... ll.T. HL•·•
W•·•(TH-TL) d,
~

•• 11
= 158 X
ll.T11
X
H£0·"
.·r
·;..!_ = 16.1 z•l•M•ts
- -- X
W'' A3
X
1
X L•t3H•r•
C8 2 ll.T.
..,.'" M•··•z•·•a•·'" Pt·o.r w···A d,"·'I'
-~
... r ..
= 0.619 X cs•·••• P"···
X
ll.T11
X
L•·•H•·•
(See Notes 2 and 3)

500
c X
W~TH-Td X
p
X
.l. k, ATM 1Ii
:.T,. = 278 1 WA _.1?._
x· X X
LH
J.T II k.. ll.T11

J.T, = 6,000 X
c X
W(Tit-Td X
1
J.T,. h. flT11 LH
~~: = 3,333 1 WA 1
X X X
h ll.T11 LH

(See Note 1)

(See Note 1:)

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/MAY 4,.1970

2030368838
1
 SPIRAL·Pl.ATE.. EXCHANGERS •
for sheU.and~tube heat exchangers (which were dis-
cussed oy Lord, Minton and Slusser&).
Primarily; the method combines into one relation-
ship• the classical' empirical equations for fihn, heat-
transfer coefficients with• heat'-ballmce equations and
with correlations tHat describe tHe geometry of the
heat exc~ger. The resulting .overall; equation• is
recast into three separate groups. that contain• factors
relating to the physical properties of the fluid, the
performance or duty of the exchanger, and the
mechanical design or arrangement of the heat-transfer·
surface. These groups are then multiplied tbgether'
with• a numerical factor to obtain a product that is
equal: to' the fraction of the total driving force-or
log mean temperature difference (b.Tll or LMTD)-
that is dissipated across each element of resistance
in the. heat-How path1
When the sum of the products for the individual
resistance equa15 1, the trial design may be assumed
to be satisfactory for heat: transfer. The physical
significance is that the sum of the temperature drops.
across each· resistance is equal to the total available
t!.Tll· The pressure. drops for both' fluid~flow paths
must be checked: to ensure that: both are within
acceptable limits .. Usually, several trials are necessary
to get a satisfactbry balance between heat transfer
and pressure drop.
Table I summarizes the equations used with the
method for heat transfer and: pressure drop •. The
columns on the left list the conditions to which each
equation applies, and the second columns. gives the
standard forms of the correlations for .6hn coefficients
that are found in texts. The remaining columns in
Table I: tabulate the numericaL physical property,
work and mechanical design factors-all of which
together. form tlie recast dimensional equation. 1'he
product of these factors gives. the fraction of total
temperature drop' or driving force ( tJ. T1/b.T11 ) across
the. resistance.
As stated, the sum of t!.Thl t!.T11 (the hot-fluid
factor), tJ.T./tJ.TM (the cold-fluid factor)', b.T,/b.TJI.
(the fouling factor), and AT..,/ti.T11 (the plate factor)
determines the adequacy of: heat transfer. Any com-
binations of b.T1/ b.T11 may be used, as long as the
orientation specified: by the equation matches that
of the exchanger's flowpath ..
The units in tHe pressure-drop eq1.1ations are con-
sistent with those used for heat transfer. Pressure drop
is calculated directly in psi.
Approximations and Assumptions
For many organic liquids, thermal conductivity
data are either· not available or difficult to obtain.
JSecause molecular weights ('M) are known, the
Weber equation, which, follows,. yields thermal con-
ductivities. whose accuracies are quite satisfactory
for most design purposes: · · Eq. ( 4)' most conveniently, the constant in it should
k - 0.86 (q#'/M"')
u; on the other hand, the thermal conductivity
is lrnown, a pseudomolecular weight may be used:
M -= 0.636 (c/k)l~
In what follows, each of tHe equations in Table I'
i~ review~d, and the conditions in· which each equa-
tion apphes, as well as its limitations, are given 1
Jn, several' cases, numerical factors are inserted or
appr?xim~tions made, so as to adapt the empirlcal
relationshtps to the. design of spiral-plate exchangers.
Such modifications have been• made to increase the
accuracy, to simplify, or to Broaden the use of the
~ethod. Rather than by any simplifying approxima-
tions,. the accuracy of the method is limited by. that
with which fouling factors, fluid properties and fab-
rication tolerances can be predicted.
Eq:uations tor: Heat; Transfer-Spiral Flow
. Eq; (1):.-No Phase Change (Liquid), NR.. > Na •.--
1~ for. liquids with Reynolds numbers greater than
the critical Reynolds number. Because the term
(1 + 3.54 D,IDH) is not constant for any given
heat, exchanger, a weighted average of 1.11 has oeen
used for• this method. If a design is selected with
a different value, the numerical factor can be. adjusted
to reflect the new value.
Eq. (2):..-No Phase Change ~Gas), N 11 , > NR.rc-is
for gases with Reynolds numbers greater than the
critical ReynoiCis number;. Because tlie Prandtl number
of common• gases is appromately eq)Ja) to 0178: and
the viscosity enters only as l-'o.2, the relationship of
physical' properties for gases is essentially a constant.
This constant, when combined with the numerical
coefficient in Eq. (I) to eliminate the physical prop.
erty factors for gases, results ih Eq. ( 2). As in Eq. (l ).,
the term (•1 + 3.54 D,/D'H) has been taken• ·as l.L
Eq. (3)-No Phase Change (,Liquid), N 11 , < N 11 , . -
is for liquids in laminar Bow, at moderate ~T and
with' large kinematic viscosity (p.Lfp). The accuracy
of the correlation, decreases as the operating conditions
or the geometry of, the heat-transfer surface are
changed tQ increase the effect of natural convection.
For a spiral plate:n
(D/L)1 11 = [12 112 D,j(DHd,)"•J"' = 2"' (d,/dn)•"
The value of ( d,/d;, )1'6 varies from 0.4 to 0;6. A value
of o,s for (d.ldH) 1' 8 has been used for this method.
Heat Tramsfer Equations-Spirator Axial Flow
Eq. (4}-Cond.ensing Vapor,. Vertical, NR.. < 2,100
-is for film condensation of vapors on a vertical
plate with a terminal Reynolds number (41J'/~) of·
less than' 2,l00. Condensate loading (or) for veftical
plates is II' = W/2L. For Reynolds numbers above
2,100,. or fbr high Ptandtl numbers, the equation
should be • adjusted by means of the Dukler plot,
as discussed by Lord, Minton, andi Slusser.s To use
be multiplied by the ratio of the value obtained by
the Nusselt equation to the Dukler plot.
1'he preceding only applies to the condensation
 of condensable vapors. Noncondensable gases in, the
vapor decrease the &1m coefficient, the reduction
depending on the relative sizes a£ the gas-cooling
load and the total cooling and condensing duty.
(A method for analyzing condensing in the presence
of noncondensable g~~Ses is discussed by Lord, Minton
and Slusser.~}
Eq .. (5)-Condensate Subcooling, Vertical,. Na. <
2,100-is fbr laminar films flowing in layer form down
vertical plates. ThiS equation is used when, the. con-
densate from' a vertical condenser is tb be cooled
below the bubble point. In, such cases, it is con-
venient to treat the condenser-subcooler as two
separate heat exchangers-the first operating only as
a condenser, (no subcooling), and the second as a
liquid cooler only. Fig. 5 shows the assumptions that
must be made to determine the height of each section,
so as to calculate intermediate temperatures that will
permit in, fum the calculation of the LMTID. · r - W (1,000) 7 (12)/4HL- 21,000 W/HL
Eq. ( 4) is used in combination with appropriate
expressions for other resistances to heat transfer, tb
calirulate the height of the subcooling section. In tlle
case of the subcooling section only (See Fig. 5), the
arithmetic mean temperature · difference,, [ ( T hm -
T..,.) + CThL - T.L)]/2, of the two fluids should
be used instead of the log mean temperature dif-
ference ..
Equations for Heat Transfer-Axial Flow
Eq. (6)-No Phase Change (Liquid)l NR., > 10;000
-is for liquids. with Reynoltls numbers greater than
Hl,OOO;.
Eq. (7)-No Phase Change (Gas),. NR., > 10,000-
is for. gases with Reynolds numbero greater than
10,000 .. Again, because the physical property factor
for common, gases is essentially a constant, thiS con-
stant is combined with the numerical' factor in
Eq. (:6) to get Eq, (7).
Condensing
zone
stiBCOOUNG·ZONE calculations
depend on arittlmetic·mean tem·
perature difference of, the tWo
fluids instead of log·mean tem·
perature differenoes-Fig. 5
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/MAY 4, 1970
Eq. (8)-CondenMg Vapor,. HorU:ontal, Na. <
2,100-is for &1m condensation on spiral plates ar-
ranged for horizontal axial flow witli a terminal
Reynolds number a£ less than 2,100. For a spiral
plate, eondensate loading (r) depends on the length
of the plate and spacing between adjacent plates.
For any given' plate length and channel spacing, the
heat-transfer area for each' 360-deg. winding of the
spiral fucreases with the diameter of, the spiral. The
number of revolutions affects the eondensate load-
ing in two ways: ( 1) the heat-transfer area changes,.
resulting in' more condensate being formed in the
outer spirals; and (2) the effective length over which
the condensate is formed is.determiiled by the number
of revolutions and the plate width. 'Ilhe. equations
presented depend: on a value for the effective number
of spirals of: L/7. Therefore,. the eondensate load-
ing is given by:.
This equation can be corrected if a design is. obtained
with a significantly dilferent condensate loading.
It does not include allowances for turbulence due
to vapor-liquid sHearing or splashing of, the con-
densate. At high condensate loadings, the liquid
condensate on the bottom of the spiral channels may
blanket part of the exchanger,'s effective heat-transfer
surface.
Eq. (9)-Nucleate Boiling, Vertical-is for nucleate
boiling on vertical plates. In a rigorous analysis of
a thermosyphon reboiler, the calculation of heat
transfer is combined with the hydrodynamics of the
system to determine the circulating rate through the
reboiler. How.ever, for most design purposes, tliis
calculation is not necessary. For atmospheric pres-
sure and higher, the assumption, of nucleate boiling
over the full height of the plate gives. satisfactory
results. The assumption of nucleate boiling over the
entire height of the plate in. vacuum service produces
overly optimistic results. (The mechanism of thermo-
2030368840
 SPIRAL·Pl.ATE EXCHANGERS • • •

syphon reboilers has been already discussed by Lord,

Minton and Slt1sser.s. ')
Nomenclature
A surface condition factor, I, appears. in the empiri·
cal correlations for boiling coefficients. This. is a A Heat-transfer area, sq. ft.
B Filln thickness (:0J00187, z r/ g, r) 111,.ft.
measure of, the number of nucleation sites for, bubble c Core dia., in.
formation on the heated surface. The equations for c Specific liea.t, l3tu./ (lb.) ("F.)
t!.Tt/tl.TII contaim,I' (the reciprocal of I), which Has D. Equivalent dia., ft.
values of 1.0 for copper and steel, 1.7 for stainless D. Helix or spi.ral dia., R
steel or chrome.nickel alloys, and 2.5 for polished D. Exchanger outside dia.,in ..
d, Channel spacing, in.
surfaces. I Fanning friction factor, dimensionless
G Mass veloeity,lb./(hr.H!Iq. ft~)
Equations for Heat Transfer-Plate g. Gravitational I constant, ft,./. (hr.)• (4.18 x
1:0")
H Channel plate wi.dtli, in.
Eq. ~10) and (llrHeat Transfer Through the h Film coefficient of heat t:ransfer.,. Btu./
Plate-are for calculating the plate factor. The inte- (hr.) (sq. ft.) (•F.)
grated form of the Fourier equation is QlfJ =
(k..,A k Thermal conductiVity, Btu./{hr.) (sq •. ft.)
tl.'Pw)/X, with X the plate thickness. Expressed in (•F;fft.)
the form of a heat-transfer coefficient; hw =
12k..,/p. L
M
Plate length, ft.
Molecular weight, dimensionless
Eq. (10) is used whenever sensible heat transfer p Pressure, psia.
i.'i involved for either fluid. Eq. (H) is usedi when p Plate thickness; in.
there is latent heat transfer for each fluidl t:J' Pressure drop,.psi.
Q Heat transferred, Btu.
s Specific gravity (referred to water at
Equations for Heat Transfer-Fouling 20 C.)
Logarithmic mean temperature difference
Eq. (12) and (13)-Fouling-is for conduction of, ·· (LM'IlD), •c.
heati through scale or solids deposits.. Fouling co• u Overalll heat-transfer coefficient, Btu./.
(hr.) (sq. ft.) eF.)·
efficients are selected by the designer,. based upon w Flowrate, (lb./hr.) /1,000
his experience. Fouling coefficients of 1,000 to 500 r Condensate loading, lb./. (hr.) (ft.)
(fouling factors ofi 0.001 to 0.002) normally require z Viscosity, op.
6 Time, hr.
exchangers 10 to' 30% larger than for clean service;
The selection of, a fouling factor is arbitrary be- ' A Heat of vaporization, Btu./lb.
I
Viscosity, lb./.(hr.) (ft.)
cause there is usually insufficient data for accurately I ~£ Liquidldensity, ll:L/cu1ft.
assessing the degree of fouling that should be assumed P• Vapor density, lb.f.cu.ft.
for a (itiven design. Generally, fouling for a spiral- I:, I:' Surface condition factor, dimensionli!ss
plate exchanger' is considerably less than for shell- IT Surface tension, dynes/em.
and-tube exchangers. Because fouling varies with Subscripts
material. velocities and temperature, the extent to 11 Built fluid properties
which this influences design depends on operating c Cold stream
conditions and, to a great degree, the design· itself. I Film fluid properties
Eq. (12) iS used for sensible heat transfer for . H High temperature
either fluid, and Eq .. ( 13) when latent heat is trans- h Hot stream
L .IJ.ow temperature
ferred' on both sides ofi the. plate; m Median temperature (1see Fig. 5)
s Scale or fouling material
Equations for; Pressure Dro~Spiral Flow w Wall, plate material
Dimensionless Groups
Eq .. (U)-No PhDse Change Nth > N a ..-iS based
on equations proposed by Sander.4 • 12 'Ilerm A in
Sander's equation €an be closely approximated by.
N...
N ••
Nr.r
Reynolds number
Critical Reynolds number
Prandtl number
the value of 28/(d. + 0.125). Term B in Sander's
equation accounts for the spacer studs. The factor
1.5 assumes 18 studs/sq. ft. and a stud dia. of 5/16 in.
Eq. (15)-No Phase Change 100 < Na, < Na,.-
again is based upon the equation proposed by Sander. little effect· on the pressure drop,. and any such effect
For, this flow regime, the. term A can be closely is included' in the Sander equation.
approximated' by the 'lalue of 103.5/(d, + 0.125). Eq; (17rCondensing-is for calculating the pres-
As in Eq .. (14h the factor of 1.5 accounts for the sure drop for· condensing vapors and is identical to
spacer studs. that for no phase change, except for a facto11 of
Eq. (16)-No Phase Ch4nge N 2 , < JOO:..aJso is 0.5 used with the condensing equation. For total
based on the Sander eq1.1ations. For this flow regime,, condensers, the weight rate of flow used in the
term A can be closely approximated by the value of calculation should be the inlet flowrate. Because the
2,170 d 1I.'f5. For this flow regime, the studs have average Bow for partial condensers is greater than

MAY 4,.1970/CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

2030368841
far total condensers,. the multip]ymg factor should
be 0.7 instead of 0.5. Because the estimation of the
pressure drop for condensing vapors is not clear-cut,
the equation should be used only to approximate
the. pressure drop, so as to prevent the design of
exchangers with, excessive. pressure losses.
Equations for Pressure Drop--Axiali Flow
Hot side Na. • (10,(!)()() X 6.225/(24 X 3.35) • 714
CoiC:I aide Na, • (lOiOOO X 5.925)/(24 X 8) • 309
Because the ftuids willi be in· lamimar flow, spiral
flow is selected for the heat exchanger design. From
Table I, the appropriate expressions for rating are:
Eq. (3)' for both fluids, Eq. (10). for the plate,
Eq, (12) for fouling and Eq. (15) far pressure drop.

Eq .. (:18}-No Phase Change N., > 10,000-is an Heat-Transfer Calculations

expression• of the Fanning equation for noncompressi~
Now; substitute values:
ble fluids,.in which the friction factOr f. in, the Fanning
Hot side, Eq. (3):
equation = 0.046/N.,u. The equation has been
revised to• account for pressure lbsses in the inlet
and outlet nozzles, and the irnlet and outlet heads.
~T.!..
aTJI -
200 4
· '~].
32.6[ 0:843'.. , X
The equation also, includes the correction for the 6
spacer studs in the flow. eliannels. [ ·~5~ 80 J[ 241~·~~2.5]
Eq. (19}-Conden.ring-again is identical to, that • 32.6 X3.775 X 4.967 X 0.001387, • 0.848
for no phase change, except for a factor of 0.5. Again.
Colli side, Eq. (3):
for partial condensers,. a value of 0.7 should be used
instead of 0.5. For condensing pressure drop, only aT. _ ·[ 200.4 .•
1 111
][
111
5.925 X9C:U ]'X
approximate results. should: be expected, which them- t:.TM 32.6 0.843'... . 54.5
selves should be used only to prevent designs that
would result in excessive pressure losses. 0.375
[ 24111 X 32.5,
J
For overhead condensers, the pressure drop in
= 32.6 X 3.775 X 5.431 X 0.001387 • 0.927
the center tube must be added to the pressure drop
calculated from Eq. (19). Foulin.g, Eq. ( 12):

t:.T, _ 6 OOO f. 0J66 J [ 5.925 X 90.4 J [ . I J

SAMPLE CALCUlATIONS t.TJI - , L
1,000 54.5 32.5 X 24
• 6,000 X 0;00066 X 9.828 X 0.001282 • 0.050
This example applies the rating method to the
Flate,. Eq. (10):
design of a liquid~Jiquid spiral-plate heat exchanger
under the following conditions: E'· .., 500 [~'66-J f 5.925 X 9CMJ [ O.I25 ]
t:.'/111 10 •L54.5 32.5 X 24
ConditiODs Hot Side Coldi Side = 500 X 01066 X 9.828 X 0.0001603 • 0.052
Flowrate, lb./hr................. 6,225 5,,925
Inlet temperature, •c.. . . . . . . . . . . 200 60
Outlet temperature, •c.. . . . . . . . ... I20 I 50.4
V:iscoeity, cp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 3. 35' . 8
Specific heat, Btu./lb.;oF.... ... . ... 0.71 0.66
Molecular, weight................. 200.4 200.4
Specific ~Vfovity............... ... 0 . 843 liL843 Some Spi,r,ai-Piate Exchanger; Standar;ds-Table Ill
Allowable yressure drop, psi.. . . . . . I I'
Material o construction ........... stainless steel (k - Ul) Plate Outside 018., Core
(Z,/z.)u•: . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I I Widths,, lin. Maximum, .lin. Dia.,ln•.
4 32 8
6 32 8
Preliminary Calculations 12 32 8
Heat transferred =
61225 X (200-120) X 1.8 X 12
18
58 l2
0,11: =
636,400 Btu./hr.
18 58
32
12
8

t.T11 (or LMTD) • (~ - 49.4)/ln(60/4U) • 54.5 C. 24 32 8

For a flrst trial, the approximate surface can be 24 58 12
calculated' using an assumed overall heat-transfer 30 58 12
coefficient, U, of 50 :Btu./(hr.) (sq.. ft.) (°F.): 36 58 12
48 58 12
A - 636,400/(50 X I.8 X 54.5) = I30 sq. ft. 6C' 58 12
Because this is a small exchanger, a plate width 72 58 12
of 24 in. is assumed. Therefore, L =
i30/ (2 X 2). = ahannel spacings, in.: 3/16 (12 in. maximum width.),
32~5 ft. A channel spacing of % in. for both. fluids 114 (48 ;n. maximum width), 5/16, %. %. %. 3f4
is also assumed. The Reynolds number for spiral flow and: l.
can be calculated from the expressiont Plate thiCknesses: stainless steel) 14-3 U.S. gage; car·
bon steel, ~. 3/16, 114 and 5/16 in.
N •• "' IO,OOO (JV/HZ)
Therefore:

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING/MAY 4, 1970

2o3oasss42
 SPIRAL·PLATE EXCHANGERS

Sum of Products (SOP): The diameter of the outside spiral can now be
SOP = 0.848 + 0.927 + 0.050 + 0.052 = 1.877 calculated with Table II and the following equation:
Because S0P is greater than 1, the assumed: heat Ds = [15.36 X L (d,. -t+ d;, + 2p) + Q2jtl•
Ds = 115,36 (4L8) [0,25 + 0:25 + 2 (0.125)) + 81f112
_xchanger is inadequate. The smface • area must Ds-= 23.4 in.
be enlarged by increasing the plate width or the For a spiral-plate exchanger, the best design• is
plate .length. Because, in all the equations 1 L applles often• that• in. which• the outside diameter approximately
directly, the follbwing new length is adopted: equals the plate width.
1.877 X 32.5 - 61i ft. Design summary:
Plate width.. . . . . .. . .. .. .. . 24 in.
Plate length.............. . . . 41.8 ft
Pr,essur;e-Drop Cal.culations Channel spacing............ 1/4 in .. (both sides)
Spiral diameter.. .. . . . .. . . . . 23.4 in ..
Hot side, Eq. (15): Heat-transfer area... . . . . . . 167 sq. ft.
Hot-side pressure drop ..... 0.607 psi.
Cold~side pressure drop ..... 0. 861 psi.
4 p .. [ 0.001 X.61 ] [-6·~] X U... ... . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ... . . . 38.8 Btu./(hr.)(sq.ft.)("F.)•
0;843 0.375 X 24

[
1.035 X 3.35112 X 1 X 24112
(0.375+ 0.125) 6.2251 12
t:.P ·- 0.07236 X 0.6917 X 9.202 =- 0J461i psi.
Cold side, Eq .. (,15):
t:.P .. [1).(101 X 61 J[--5.9~]
0.843 0.375 X 24
f 1.035 X8 X 1 X 24
11
:
112
16]
ti (0.375 + €1.125) 5.925112 + LS+ 61
t:.P = 0.07236 X 0.6583 X 13.55 = 0.645 psi.
Because the pressure drop is less than the allowal:lle;
the spacing can• be decreased. For the second trial,
¥4 in. spacing for botH channels is adoptedl
Because the Heat-transfer· equation for every factor
except the plate varies directly witH d,, a new SOP·
can be calculated~
t:.Tl/llTM "" 0.848 (0.25/0.375)
tJ.T;/tJ.7'M = 0.927 (0;25/0.375)
t:.T,/ATII = 0.052 (0;25/0.375)
tJ.T,./tJ.TM = 0.050
SOP - 0;565 + 0.618 + 0.050 + 0.052
L = 1.285 X 32.5 = 41.8 ft.
A = 41.8 X 2 X 2 = 167 sq. ft.
The new pressure drop becomes:
Hot side:
llP- [' 0.001 X41.8
0.843
J[-·6·~~~-]
0.25 X 24
1.035 X 3.35112 X 1 X 24 112
[ --M75 X 6.225112 ·--
tJ.P - 0;04958 X 1.037 X 11.80 = 0.607 psi.
Colo· side:
+ 1.5 + 6f
16 J •
Acknowledgements
The author thanks American Heat Reclaiming Corp.
X
for. providing figures and for permission to use certain
design.standards. He is also grateful to the Union Car-
bide Corp .. for permission to publish this article.
,
References
H Baird, M. H. I.. MoCrae, W .. Rumford. F .. and Sle--.
C. G. M.. Some Consldera.tlon" on Heat Tm.naofer In
SpLI"al Plate Heat Exchangers, Chem. Eng. Science., 7,
1 and 2, 1957, p. 112.
2. BLasius, H.. Dae .\hnlichkeit.sgesets bel Rlebunpvor-
gangzen in Flussigkeiten, Fonol&uug81&e/t. Ul, 1913.
3. Colbu~n,.A. P .. A Method of CoJ:TelaUng Forced•ConW~e­
tlon Heat TTansfer Da.ta and e. Comparison With Fluid
F'rlot.lon, A.ICI&F: TMM., !9, 1'933, p. 1174.
4: HargiS, A. M ... Beok.mann, A. T. and Lola.oonoa., JL J.,.
Applica.tion6 of Spiral' Plate Heat: Ex<lhangers, Chem.
Eng. Proyr .. July 1967; p .. 62.
= 0.565 5. "HeliHow Confers and Heaters," Bull. SBG; Gl"&h&m
Mfg. Co•. Grea.t .:\leek, N.Y.
= 0.618 6. Ito, H .. F'rlotion• F'act<>n~ for Turbulent Flow ln. Curved
= 0.035 Pipes. Tran8. AS&fE., 81, 2;, 1959,. p .. 123.
7. La.mb,. B. R., The Rosenbl.ad Spiral Heat !Exch&nger,
Trana. Inst. Cllem. Engr3. {IIJ.Ondon), June 196Z, p. A101.
== 1.285 8; Lord, R. C., Min-ton. P. E. <and Slusser, R. P., Dettlgn
Pa.l'ameters for Condensers and Reboilers, CJ1em. Eng.,
Mar.. 2'3, 1970, p. 127.
9 .. Loro, R. C:, Min·ton, P. E. and Slusser, R. P .. Dealgn
o! Heat Exchangers, Ghem. Eng., Jan, 26, 19-'70, p. H.
10. Noble, M .. A ... Kamlanl, J. S. <and McKetta, JL J., H-.t
'l'ransfer in Spiral Colla .. Petr. Eng., Apr. 1952, p. 723.
11. PerTy, J! H .• Ed .. "OHemlcal Englneera· Handbook."' 4th
ed., McGraw-Hill, New York. 1963, 10, p. 24:
12. Sander·, J.. ( unpublf.shed). A. B. RoaenbladAI. Pa.tenter,
X 13.
Stockholm .. Sweden. 1955.
"Spiral Heat Exchangers," Bull. S.A. 1UO I-ff HRSII,
Amerloan Hea.t Reclaiming Corp., New York.
14. Tangn, N. N. and Ja:raraman, R., Hea.t Transfer on e.
Spiral Pla.te. Hea.t Exchanger,, Tran~. In1t. Chem. Engr11.
16 ] (London), 40, 3, 1962, p, 161.
+ ·1.5 + 411:8- 15. "Thermal Handbook," AI~·La.va1/De!J.aval Group,
Sweden, 1969.
16. White, C. M., Streamline Flow Through Curved Pipes,
Proceedhtga Roval Soc. (Londonh Serlea A. 1Z3, 1929,
p. 645.

tJ.P _ [· o.oo~_4h8~]( 5.925_.] x Meet the Author

0.843 ' 0.25 X 24
Paul E. Mlnfon is a project
engine~r in t~e ~ngineering
D.035 X 8 112 X 1' X 24 112
1

16 .] department at Union Carbide

[ --o37sx 5.92511··- -- + 1. 5
AP = 0.04958 X 0.9875•X 17.59 = 0.8611
The pressure drops are less than the maximum
allowable. The plate spacing cannot be less than
¥4 in. for a 24!.in. plate width; decreasing the width
would result: in a higher than allowable pressure drop.
Therefore, the design is accept:able.
+ ·us Corp.'s Technical Center (P 0;
Box 8361, So. Charleston.
W. Va. 25303), where he is a
part· of the heat·transfO!r tech·
nology group. A graduate In
chem•cal engineering with a
B.S. degree from the Missouri
School of Mines and Metal·
lurgy, he is a member of
AIChE.

MAY 4, 1970/«HEMICAL ENGINEERING

2030368843.