Shell-and-tube hydraulics: In a multipass shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the shell-side cross-flow area does NOT depend on which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
Shell-side pressure drop and heat transfer in a shell-and-tube exchanger are strongly tied to the cross-flow area between baffles. Accurately estimating this area is central to predicting velocities, pressure drop, and vibration risks. This question probes which geometric factors influence that area.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Multipass shell-and-tube configuration with segmental baffles.
• Conventional tube patterns and clearances.
• We focus on qualitative dependencies.

Concept / Approach:
Shell-side cross-flow area depends on the baffle window geometry and the flow lanes across the tube bundle. Baffle spacing sets the flow path length and the number of cross-flow sections. Clearances (shell-to-bundle, baffle cut, tube-to-baffle holes) influence leakages and effective area. Tube pitch determines how densely tubes are packed, changing the free area available for cross flow. Therefore, the area is influenced by all listed parameters.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognize key contributors: baffle window geometry and inter-tube spacing.Baffle spacing affects cross-flow section geometry and number.Clearances alter leakage and effective flow lanes.Tube pitch changes porosity of the tube bundle, thus free area.Conclusion: it depends on all the listed factors.

Verification / Alternative check:
Rating methods (e.g., Bell–Delaware) explicitly include correction factors for baffle spacing, leakages/clearances, and bundle porosity set by pitch.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Claiming independence from baffle spacing, clearances, or pitch contradicts established shell-side hydraulics.

Common Pitfalls:

• Ignoring leakage streams; they can dominate shell-side performance.
• Assuming pitch affects only heat transfer surface; it also changes free flow area.

Final Answer:
None of these (it depends on all listed parameters)