A Novel Approach to Improving Heat Transfer and Minimizing Fouling in Tube Bundles: Insert Elements Inspired by Venetian Blinds

This paper presents the results of a numerical investigation into the use of window-blind-shaped inserts for enhancing heat transfer and facilitating fouling removal in cross-flow tube bundles. Three configurations were examined: a baseline staggered plain tube bundle, and the same staggered bundle equipped with steel window-blind inserts arranged in two distinct orientations: ( ) and ) (. The CFD simulations were performed using a two-dimensional model in Ansys Fluent. Tube bundles with inserts inclined at 5°, 20°, and 30° were analyzed for two flow velocities corresponding to maximum and minimum boiler loads. In addition, particle-trajectory simulations were conducted for the same blade inclinations to assess the potential for ash-deposit detachment. The results demonstrate that window-blind-type inserts can effectively enhance the thermal performance of tube bundles while simultaneously promoting the removal of ash deposits.