Abstract: The invention is a shell and tube type heat exchanger that provides a greater heat transfer coefficient to pressure drop ratio. The invention includes a mini-vortex generator on the surface of tubes within the tube bundle in the shell of the heat exchanger. The mini-vortex generator increases the heat transfer coefficient for grid baffle type heat exchangers having a longitudinal shell fluid flow without resulting in a significant increase in pressure drop. The invention also includes a sinuous-type grid baffle which permits a greater tube packing density and reduced pressure drop in a heat exchanger having longitudinal shell fluid flow. The invention also encompasses a shell and tube heat exchanger having mini-vortex generators and sinuous baffles.

Abstract: The invention is a shell and tube type heat exchanger that provides a greater heat transfer coefficient to pressure drop ratio. The invention includes a mini-vortex generator on the surface of tubes within the tube bundle in the shell of the heat exchanger. The mini-vortex generator increases the heat transfer coefficient for grid baffle type heat exchangers having a longitudinal shell fluid flow without resulting in a significant increase in pressure drop. The invention also includes a sinuous-type grid baffle which permits a greater tube packing density and reduced pressure drop in a heat exchanger having longitudinal shell fluid flow. The invention also encompasses a shell and tube heat exchanger having mini-vortex generators and sinuous baffles.