Xspe
Xspe rates and simulates single-phase spiral-plate heat exchangers. A fully incremental program, Xspe divides each spiral channel into multiple increments and calculates performance using local physical properties and process conditions.
Process Specifications
Xspe handles the following process conditions:
- single-phase
- laminar and turbulent flow
- vapor and liquid flow
Geometry Specifications
Xspe handles characteristics common to most commercially available spiral-plate heat exchangers:
- Type I co and counter-current exchangers
- Area can be specified directly or via plate length
- Gap spacing
- Core diameter
Calculation Modes
Xspe operates in rating and simulation modes.
Rating
In the rating mode, the program calculates expected heat transfer coefficients and pressure drops for a specified geometry. These are compared to required heat duty, and the difference is reported as under- or overdesign.
Simulation
Using an iterative procedure in the simulation mode, the program adjusts for omitted process conditions until the predicted heat duty matches assumed process conditions. For example, if the flow rates and inlet conditions are specified for both streams, the program determines exit process conditions.
Calculation Methods
HTRI validated the single-phase calculation methods used in Xspe with research data taken at the HTRI research facility.
Special Features
- Local heat transfer and pressure drop results may be viewed in graphical (plot) form
- Session log can be enabled to track all runs made
- Scaled 2D drawing of spiral exchanger