Jacketed Vessel Design

(design of dimple jackets)

The design of dimple jackets permits construction from light gauge metals without
sacrificing the strength required to withstand the specified pressure. This results
in considerable cost saving as compared to convention jackets. Design calculation begin
with an assumed flow velocity between 2 and 5 ft/s. As a rule of thumb the jacket
pressure will be governing when internal pressure of vessel is less than 1.67 times the
jacket pressure. At such conditions, dimple jackets are typically more economical than
other choices. However in small vessels (less than 10 gallons) it is not practical to apply
dimple-jackets.
The design of dimple jackets is governed by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure
Vessel Inspectors and can be stamped in accordance with ASME Unfired Pressure Vessel
Code. Dimple jackets are limited to a pressure of 300 psi by Section VIII, Div.I of the
ASME Code. The design temperature is limited to 700 F. At high temperatures, it is
mandatory that jacket be fabricated from a metal having same thermal coefficient of
expansion as that used in inner vessel.

Heat Transfer Coefficients: Dimple Jackets

All other variables are as previously defined. Garvin (CEP Magazine, April 2001) reports
an average error of 9.8% with manufacturers data for the above correlation and a
maximum error of 30% over 116 data points. This results in average deviations in the
heat transfer coefficient of 15-20% most of which was at velocities below 2 ft/s. Good
agreement with manufacturers data was found between 3 and 6 ft/s. A recommended
excess area of 15% should be used in this velocity range.
Note: The correlation above is for integrally welded jackets (ie. jackets welded directly to
the vessel). If a dimple jacket is clamped onto an existing vessel and adhered with heat
transfer mastic, the overall heat transfer coefficient of the system will be very low. Mastic
is used to try to minimize air pocket resistances between the vessel wall and the jacket.
Historically, this arrangement results in poor heat transfer. A recommended overall heat
transfer coefficient of 10-15 Btu/h ft F should be used for such systems regardless of
the utility used.

Pressure Drop: Dimple Jackets

The pressure loss in a dimple jacket can be estimated from the following for water or
water-like fluids:
Pressure Loss in Jacket = (Total Lenght of Flow, ft) x ((0.40 x Velocity, ft/s) - 0.35)
Pressure Loss Across Entire Jacket (including inlets and outlets) = Pressure Loss in
Jacket + (0.10)(Pressure Loss in Jacket)
The above estimates should be used for velocities ranging from 1.5 to 6 ft/s.
This method is based on a graph found on page 217 of the Encyclopedia of
Pharmaceutical Technology by James Swarbrick.
For detailed design, it is advisable to rely on manufacturer's data for pressure drop
calculations.

Heat Transfer Coefficients Inside Agitated Process Vessels

In order to complete the overall heat transfer coefficient calculation, an estimate must
also be made inside the process vessel. The following estimate should yield reasonable
results:
Calculating the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient
When calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient for a system, the vessel wall
resistance and any jacket fouling must be taken into account:

Notice that the thermal conducitivity of the vessel wall and the wall thickness are
included in the calculation. A typical jacket fouling factor is around 0.001 h ft F/Btu.
When calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient, use a "common sense" analysis of
the final value. The table below will give some guidance to reasonable final values:

English Units
Metric Units