On the dynamics and control of a polymer film compact heat exchanger

Process intensification has the potential to change the state of the chemical and process industries. The polymer film compact heat exchanger (PFCHE) is a new type of intensified heat exchanger. The potential market is seen as being large [1] but as yet the unit has not been adopted by industry. The advantageous heat transfer characteristics of such a unit have been shown in previous work [2]. This work investigates the dynamic behaviour of the PFCHE and the process control problems that may arise.

The PFCHE available at Newcastle University has been used to generate dynamic temperature data. The data have been employed to formulate and validate time series type models. These models were then used in simulated process control studies. The dynamic behaviour of the unit appeared to be linear and response times were quick. It was found that the responses of the model to disturbances in inlet temperatures could be controlled well using a digital form of PI control. There were, however, doubts as to the ability of the model to completely replicate the system.