Design and Optimization of Gasketed-Plate Heat Exchanger using Bees Algorithm

In the present study, the hydraulic-thermal design and optimization of a gasketed-plate heat exchanger (GPHE) with an objective function of heat exchanger performance index (the amount of transferred heat exchange to pumping power ratio) is carried out. This process is made by considering 6 design parameters (the port diameter, plate thickness, the enlargement factor, the compressed plate pack length, the horizontal port distance, and the vertical port distance) and through the Bees Algorithm (BA). The present study achieved three solution sets for the design parameters by investigating the sensitivity of the design parameters heeded in the optimization of the GPHE. The design parameters in these three optimal solution sets were opted for in such a way that heat transfer increased by 41.6%, 34.55%, and 20.7%, and pressure drop decreased by 11.89%, 27%, and 83%, respectively.