Heat transfer characteristics with insertion of tri-helical static mixers in pipes

Abstract

In this study, the heat transfer enhancements of flow through insertion of tri-helical static mixer (THSM) in pipes are under investigation. FLUENT is utilised to simulate the temperature and velocity fields. The parameters include the arrangement of elements, type of static mixers, and the aspect ratio of the element. Experimental work is compared with that of numerical simulation for validation. Results show the cross-sectional contours of temperature for various types of THSM at a specified Reynolds number. In addition, results of friction factor and Nusselt number for THSM are compared with that for Kenics static mixer (KSM). It is also found that the Nusselt number for pipe with inserting of shift-alternating type THSM is the highest among the three types of THSM. However, the friction factor for pipe with inserting of shift-alternating type THSM is also the highest.