Visualization and determination of local heat transfer coefficients in shell-and-tube heat exchangers for staggered tube arrangement by mass transfer measurements

Abstract

Local heat transfer coefficients on the outer surface of tubes in shell-and-tube heat exchangers with staggered tube arrangement are visualized and determined from mass transfer measurements. The mass transfer experiments are carried out using a technique based on absorption, chemical and coupled colour reaction. Local mass transfer coefficients are measured for fully developed flow conditions on each tube surface. These coefficients are transformed to heat transfer coefficients by employing the analogy between heat and mass transfer. The averaged heat transfer coefficients and the pressure drop are compared with the predictions from the literature.