PROTO-HX^TM calculates steady-state temperatures and heat transfer through shell and tube heat exchangers, finned tube air coolers, and chillers. The user defines the heat exchanger physical parameters as well as design and actual performance parameters in an interactive, easy-to-learn, easy-to-use environment with the flexibility to model simple or complex heat exchanger configurations. After the model is established, field test data can be evaluated using PROTO-HX to predict current heat exchanger fouling and heat transfer capability extrapolated to design conditions.

Detailed evaluations of power plant system heat exchangers for a variety of cases considering heat loads, flows, and inlet temperatures have become increasingly important within the utility industry. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Generic Letter 89-13, Service Water System Problems Affecting Safety-Related Equipment, has prompted additional concern about heat exchanger capabilities. A computer model of the heat exchanger or refrigerant chiller can facilitate the expediency, efficiency, and consistency in performing evaluations of multiple cases. Computer modeling can also be used to establish preventive maintenance programs and to trend current and limiting levels of fouling resistance and/or limiting cooling water inlet temperatures.

Proto-Power has developed PROTO-HX Windows-based computer software for modeling and analyzing the steady-state thermal capabilities of power plant system heat exchangers or refrigerant chillers. PROTO-HX has been developed and validated in accordance with Proto-Power’s Nuclear Software Quality Assurance Program, which has been audited and accepted by major utilities.

Features:

Multiple Types of Shell & Tube Configurations

• Model Counter Flow and Cocurrent Flow Heat Exchangers
• TEMA-E, TEMA-F, TEMA-G, TEMA-J Heat Exchangers Modeled with LMTD Correction Factors
• Geometric or Empirical Shellside film coefficient correction factor
• Plugged Tubes Will Proportionally Adjust Heat Transfer Area
• Perform evaluations consistent with the methodology of EPRI’s Heat Exchanger Performance Monitoring Guidelines for Service Water Systems and ASME OM-21

Multiple Air Cooler Configurations

• Multiple or Single Pass Multiple Tube Row Arrangement LMTD Correction
• Airside Film Coefficient Based on Multiple Fin Configurations
• Finned Tubes or Plate Fins
• Condensing Heat Transfer
• Perform evaluations consistent with the methodology of ARI Standard 410 Standard for Forced Air-Cooling and Air-Heating Coils

User Defined Fluid Properties

• User defined equations
• Fit data with polynomial curvefit
• Output flags if temperatures are outside user defined range
• Properties defined are:
  1. Density
  2. Dynamic Viscosity
  3. Specific Heat
  4. Thermal Conductivity

Uncertainty Analysis

• User defined instrument inaccuracy for each test parameter
• SRSS uncertainty analysis performed for each test evaluation
• A formatted report is generated with the uncertainty evaluation and statistical analysis results
• Methodology consistent with ASME OM21 Standard for Inservice Performance Testing of Heat Exchangers in LWR Plants

Graph Trended Data

• Graph Extrapolated U Overall
• Graph Fouling Factor
• User Defined Graph Parameters
• Supports Windows Printer Drivers

Additional Features:

Technical Support provided by a combination of Power Plant System Engineers and Computer Specialists who are well acquainted with design and regulatory issues

Heat Exchanger Analysis Services available to support model development and use

Nuclear Quality Assurance (10CFR50 and 10CFR21) Validation Program and Error Reporting

Heat Exchanger Testing Services available to determine actual heat exchanger performance