Design, Rating and Simulation are three modes of cal in HTRI (or in any other hex software)

Design Mode
You input the process conditions required and leave the geometry of the exchanger open (with some
basic input plugged in like - fluid allocation in shell/tube side, TEMA type, max tube length, max
allowable dp, fouling etc) Simulator will give you various options of geometry in a tabulated form.
Rating Mode
You plug in detail geometry of the exchanger, plug in required process parameters and in/out temp
required. Simulator will predict performance of the exchanger- % over design, calculated pressure drop,
vibration levels.
Simulation mode
It is same as rating mode, except you do not specify outlet temperatures of the hot & cold fluids. By
iterative calculation simulator will arrive at a condition where all the available area is utilized, and under
this condition it will predict the outlet temperatures of the hot & cold fluids.