A computer based iterative solution for accurate estimation of heat transfer coefficients in a helical tube heat exchanger

Abstract

An iterative technique is developed and reported for accurate estimation of heat transfer coefficients in a helical triple tube heat exchanger. Based on the experimental temperature rise of whole milk in a helical triple tube heat exchanger, accurate values of film heat transfer coefficients and overall heat transfer coefficients based on the outside area of the innermost tube and the inside area of the middle annulus are obtained from first principles. Three different flow rates of milk were used giving rise to three Reynolds numbers. The procedure described can be applied to any heat exchanger with minor modifications, if necessary.