Steinmüller Africa has introduced three-dimensional (3D) modelling to the heat exchanger and boiler design process to increase design accuracy while simultaneously reducing both turnaround times and costs for its clients. The new software replaces the traditional process of designing heat exchangers in logical steps, which sometimes results in part fit-up problems, impacting the design process and project execution. All heat exchangers from Steinmüller Africa are now designed purely as 3D models to begin with, which allows the various engineers to design and fit all required parts with minimal effort and to generate drawings along with the bill of materials, facilitating accurate pricing, even at the design stage.
The 3D modelling is executed using parametric modelling in AutoCAD Inventor software and is uniquely linked to Steinmüller Africa’s intellectual property. This allows Steinmüller Africa to determine the best solution based on a client’s specific requirements.
With this technology, Steinmuller Africa is now able to design and manufacture, complex heat exchangers for process plants that require a mixed phase flow.