Abstract
This paper presents the experimental and numerical investigation of flow distribution in the tubular space of cross-flow fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The tube bundle with two rows arranged in staggered formation is considered. A modified heat exchanged manifold, with inlet nozzle pipe located asymmetrically is considered. The outlet nozzle pipe is located in the middle of the outlet manifold, with a standard shape. An experimental stand allows one to investigate the volumetric flow rate in heat exchanger tubular space using the ultrasonic flowmeters. Various inlet mass flow rate i.e. 3 m3/h, 4 m3/h and 5 m3/h are considered. The experimental results are compared with CFD simulation performed in ANSYS CFX program using the SSG Reynolds Stress turbulence model. A relatively good agreement is found for tube Re numbers varied from 1800 to 3100.
Highlights
Fin-and-tube heat exchangers are widely used in chemical, petrochemical, refrigeration automotive and energy industry
The experimental results are compared with CFD simulation performed in ANSYS CFX program using the SSG Reynolds Stress turbulence model
In tubular space of heat exchanger flows the liquid with high heat transfer coefficient, and in intertubular space flows gas with the low heat transfer coefficient
Summary
Fin-and-tube heat exchangers are widely used in chemical, petrochemical, refrigeration automotive and energy industry. It is needed to ensure the uniform flow distribution from the inlet manifold to heat exchanger tubes, to allow the correct operation of the device [13,14]. In this paper a flow distribution in heat exchanger with a modified shape of the inlet manifold is studied. Superstatic 749 (7) are installed in each tube of the heat exchanger to capture the volumetric flow rate.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
