Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics Trainer
The HTFD training rig offers hands-on experience with key principles of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and process control, all integrated into a single, versatile mobile skid platform. (Weight 700kg, length 3m, width 1.25m, height 2m). It's designed for educational institutions and industrial training programs, providing a realistic environment for students and professionals to explore complex processes, troubleshoot issues, and develop practical skills.
Key Features and Benefits
Siemens PLC (programable logic controller) with HMI (Human machine interface): Allows the students to operate the training rig from an industrial-style interface, setting the PID parameters, and controlling the pumps, heater, and flow control valve. It also provides for alarm handling, live trending, and data logging (with the facility to export to a USB drive.)
Pressure Transmitters, Temperature Transmitters, Flow Meters: Enables accurate monitoring and data acquisition for process analysis.
- Electrically Operated Flow Control Valve: Allows for precise flow manipulation and control loop implementation.
- Manual Ball Valves: Provides hands-on experience with fluid flow isolation and system configuration.
- Pumps with Variable Speed and DOL Drive: Demonstrates the impact of pump speed on flow rates and system dynamics.
- Tank with Immersion Heater: Enables heating of water for heat transfer experiments and control demonstrations.
- Cold Water Tank with Chiller/Mains Feed Options: Offers flexible cooling options for process temperature management.
- Plate Heat Exchanger & Concentric Tubes Heat Exchanger: Allows for comparative analysis of different heat transfer technologies.
Process Conditions
- Maximum operating temperature: 50°C
- Pump discharge pressure: 4 bara
- Pump flowrate: 150 L/h
Fluid Dynamics
The various pipework sections with different diameters and restrictions will allow students to witness firsthand the relationship between flow rate, pressure drop, and pipe geometry. 3 different spools are included; however, users are free to design and install their own pipe sections.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding Heat Exchanger Performance: Students will be able to analyse the efficiency of both plate and concentric tube heat exchangers under varying conditions. They will learn how to manipulate flow rates and temperatures to optimise heat transfer and identify potential limitations of each type of exchanger. This hands-on experience will solidify theoretical knowledge about heat transfer mechanisms such as conduction and convection.
- Exploring Temperature Control and Process Optimisation: By manipulating the hot utility temperature and flow rates, learners will gain practical insights into how to achieve and maintain desired process temperatures. This will aid in understanding the importance of temperature control in industrial processes and develop skills in process optimisation.
- Troubleshooting and System Analysis: If heat transfer is not as expected, students will be encouraged to diagnose the issue, considering factors such as fouling, flow distribution, or heat exchanger design. This fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Observe the effect of PID parameters on control response and analyse data to improve that response.
- Develop knowledge of pressure drops by comparing theoretical calculations to empirical data. As well as the importance of accurate pipe sizing.