Three dimensional parameterized design of heat exchanger tubesheet based on SolidWorks

Three dimensional solid-modeling revolution has reached the design mainstream. In this paper, the parameterized design method of tubesheet and principle of automatic tube layout for shell-and-tube heat exchanger were investigated. Parameterized modeling and automatic engineering drawing creating for heat exchanger tubesheet were realized by the development of SolidWorks based on VB (Visual Basic), Microsoft Access and API (application programming interface) provided by SolidWorks. The software system has achieved prearranged development goals, namely simplifying designing procedure, greatly saving the time that designer used to draw a chart and significantly reducing probability of mistakes. When modifying design parameters, it has direct-viewing, accurate and highly effective merits, which is good for companies to reduce the design period and to gain broad market acceptance. At the same time, this software has good adaptability, human-computer interaction and expansibility and it will be benefit to the development of the three dimensional modeling of heat exchanger. Moreover, the research method of tubesheet auto-drawing is suitable for other equipment design software developments.