Optimal design of multiple effect evaporator system using weighted heat transfer coefficient

This paper proposes a mathematical model for estimating the overall heat tr ansfer coefficient for the optimal design of a multiple effect evaporator s ystem taking into account various parameters (type of flow during the evapo ration, length of each flow zone, temperature profile, turbulence, etc.). T he predictions of the model have been compared with the experimental data r eported in literature [18]. A good agreement has been observed between pred icted values and the reported data. Subsequently the applicability of this model has been checked in the design and dynamic study of multiple-effect e vaporator system. A good agreement has been observed between the estimated values and the experimental data reported by HOLLAND and LIAPIS [1]. This study confirms that the proposed model would give more flexibility to the designer than existing models in fixing the length of the evaporator tu bes so as to increase effective heal transfer area. As the model is rather simple and fairly accurate it would enable optimal design with comparativel y low computational cost.