Enhancing the Reliability of Chemical Evaporators: A Method for Reinforcing the Fitting Hole
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Evaporative heat exchangers often fail near the fitting hole, where heat and pressure concentrate. We evaluate a simple external-ring reinforcement that redistributes local stresses while preserving heat-transfer duty. Positioned among established reinforcement options, the approach is compared conceptually with collars and sleeves in terms of installation time, material use, and inspectability. Laboratory tests and finite-element analysis (FEA) were used together to map stress and deformation fields before and after reinforcement, and checks against ASME PTB-3-2013 design guidance confirm adequate safety margins. By redistributing load and eliminating crevice-forming gaps near the fitting, the ring removes the microconditions that foster fatigue and corrosion. Thermal performance was characterized to ensure the reinforcement does not compromise heat transfer. Overall, the work provides a quantitative, evaporator-specific validation of an external-ring reinforcement and a practical framework for selecting among reinforcement options under demanding operating conditions.
Source: ACS Omega
Authors: Liubov Feiler, Mohammad Karimi, Jifu Sun, Bo Wang
Institution: Shandong University of Science and Technology
Language: English
Topic: Engineering Applied Research
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,935
OpenAlex ID: W4415545735