Optimization of the Heat Transfer Rate and Pressure Drop of Inside Profiled Tubes - Part 1

Abstract

Nine inside profiled tubes were developed and investigated for optimization of the heat transfer rate and pressure drop behavior. The results of this work are presented in two parts. This part describes the comparative investigation of five tubes with different inside profiles to simulate the heat transfer and friction loss of fired tubular heaters in petrochemical processes. In part 2, a further four tubes with different inside profiles will be compared. To test the efficiency of the new profiles a test rig was modified. Using the similarity laws by Reynolds, the Reynolds number calculated for the gas flow in the heater tubes was converted into the flow rate, as well as the pressure and temperature of a distilled water system. Axial and peripheral velocities were measured using a Laser-Doppler-Velocimeter (LDV). Friction pressure drop and heat transfer were measured to determine the efficiency of each tested tube under the constant conditions of the distilled water system. The results of the investigations on these five inside profiles showed that profiles with eight flat and symmetrically distributed straight fins (tube III) or with a twist angle of 30° to the tube axis (tube IV), produced heat transfer rates higher that that of the bare tube by 120 % and 156 %, respectively, with increases in pressure drop only 46 % and 76 %, respectively.