Objective
To carry out a comparative study through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of current design and proposed design of water cooled chiller for given pressure and gravity loads.
Design Approach:
As per ASME section VIII, Division 2, following parameters have been considered,
1. The thickness of proposed chiller condenser and evaporator shell subject to pressure shall not be less than 1⁄ 4 in. (6 mm) for the material (carbon and low alloy steels).
2. The thickness of condenser shell has been calculated as 7 mm and evaporator shell as 9 mm for proposed design based on the ASME section VIII, such that the forming, heat treatment, and other fabrication processes will not reduce the thickness of the material at any point below the minimum value (6 mm).
3. A pressure of 50 psi has been applied on both condenser and evaporator shells.
Conclusion:
From the analysis results, it can be concluded that the stresses on proposed design substantially lower than the stresses observed on current chiller.
