Heat transfer augmentation in double pipe water to air counter flow heat exchanger with helical surface disc turbulators

Abstract

Present investigation reports the effect of helical surface disc turbulators (HSDTs) on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in double pipe heat exchanger (DPHE). HSDTs has been utilized in the annulus region. Tests are conducted by insertion of HSDTs with various operating parameters including three different diameter ratios (DR = do/Di = 0.42, 0.475 and 0.54), three different helix angles (ɸ = 20°, 30° and 40°) and varied range of Reynolds Number (3500–10500). Water, used as hot fluid, flows in the inner tube, while air, used as cold fluid, flows through the annulus. The tests are conducted for air for uniform wall temperature condition. The heat exchanger with least diameter ratio and increased helix angle is found to exhibit the highest Nusselt number and friction factor. Results indicate that maximum enhancement is obtained for smallest diameter ratio (DR = 0.42) and helix angle (ɸ = 40°). The thermal performance factor is found to be greater than unity for each configuration studied with DPHE using HSDTs. Correlations have been developed Nusselt number, friction factor and thermal performance factor for Reynolds number varying between 3500–10,500.