Helical Tube Research Articles

Intensification of the rate of heat and mass transfer at the wall of a stirred tank reactor by integrating a helical coil turbulence promoter with the tank wall

ABSTRACT The influence of a helical coil turbulence promoter on liquid-solid mass transfer rates in a stirred tank was investigated using a technique that involved measuring the rate of diffusion-controlled copper dissolution in acidified dichromate. The study examined the effects of helical coil tube diameter (d), helical coil pitch (p), impeller rotation speed, impeller geometry (axial and radial), the presence of baffles, and solution physical properties. The presence of the helical coil near the reactor wall significantly enhanced mass transfer rates, with a factor ranging from 1.01 to 2.48. This improvement was accompanied by a corresponding increase in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kA), ranging from 2.68 to 4.55, depending on operating conditions. Further analysis revealed that the average mass transfer coefficient increased with decreasing coil tube diameter, while coil pitch had a minimal impact. Additionally, radial flow turbines demonstrated superior mass transfer performance compared to axial flow turbines. The presence of baffles also promoted higher mass transfer rates compared to unbaffled reactors. The experimental data were successfully correlated using dimensionless correlations, emphasizing the significance of these correlations in scaleup and design optimization of catalytic stirred tank reactors with efficient cooling systems.

Comparisons on the thermal and entropic performance of helical tubes with varying cross-sections with constant wall temperature

This study investigates the thermal-hydraulic behavior of helical tubes with different cross-section types. The flow was considered to be in a turbulent flow regime, and the wall temperature of the tube was considered to be constant. Circle, horizontal oval, vertical oval, square, horizontal rectangle, vertical rectangle, equilateral triangle, and hexagons were eight cross-section types assessed in this study. Findings demonstrated that across the evaluated range of mass flow rates, cases with triangular cross-sections had the highest friction factor values. Also, it was observed that these cases have the largest and the most intense vorticity among all other cases. It was revealed that cases with sharp regions include vortices that increase the loss of kinetic energy. In circular cross-section and triangular cross-section examples, the Nu number was most varied. There is a 58% difference between maximum Nu values for circular and triangular cross-sections. The case with a circular cross-section and a mass flow rate of 2 kg/s exhibited the highest PEC factor value of approximately 1.001. Finally, it was determined that a circle cross-section is the best according to the first law of thermodynamics, but a triangular cross-section performed 52% better when compared to other cross-section forms according to the second law of thermodynamics.

Axial Compression Behavior of Large-Diameter, Concrete-Filled, Thin-Walled Galvanized Helical Corrugated Steel Tubes Column Embedded with Rebar

Thin-walled galvanized helical corrugated steel tubes (HCSTs) filled with concrete are promising composite members, consisting of concrete, an anti-corrosion shell, and a multifunctional exterior corrugated steel tube. To investigate the synergistic working mechanism of concrete-filled HCSTs (CFHCSTs), six specimens were designed for axial compression tests, with the inner diameter of the column and the volumetric steel ratios of the longitudinal reinforcement as the variation parameters. The results show that HCSTs can better confine the concrete core and increase its strength. The failure mode of HCSTs is significantly influenced by the column’s diameter, and those with a smaller diameter are prone to slide failure and lock seam tearing. The strains and stresses on HCSTs are discussed in detail to elucidate the confinement effect. This paper proposes a suitable design method to predict the ultimate axial compression load capacity of CFHCST columns based on early studies on steel tube-confined concrete.

A comprehensive study with high-speed camera assisted visualizations of HFO-1234ze(E) condensation inside an enhanced tube

Flow condensation of HFO-1234ze(E) inside a helical micro-finned tube of 4.28 mm ID underwent experimentation. Flow patterns were visualized with a high-speed camera while varying vapor qualities from 0.01 to 0.95 and mass fluxes from 100 to 400 kg m−2 s1, at saturation temperature of 30 °C. Intermittent, stratified-wavy, transitional, and annular flow pattern types were identified. The flow pattern map of Doretti et al. (validated by Cavallini et al.) accurately predicted the flow patterns. Heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) and frictional pressure drops (FPDs) were also measured for mass fluxes ranging from 100 to 600 kg m−2 s−1 at saturation temperatures of 30 °C and 40 °C. Both HTC and FPD elevated with higher mass fluxes and vapor qualities which stemmed from the presence of observed shear stress-driven annular flow patterns. HTC and FPD are generally higher at lower saturation temperatures. Experimental HTC and FPD have been compared against values estimated with empirical models. Furthermore, the average enhancement factor of the micro-finned tube was 2.94 with an area enhancement factor of 2.39. Plotting enhancement factor versus non-dimensional gas velocity provided detailed insight into the augmentation effect of micro-finned tubes under different operating conditions.

Numerical investigation and comparison of tubular solar cavity receivers for simultaneous generation of superheated steam and hot air

Solar cavity receivers are a crucial technology to transform solar energy into easily usable thermal energy. Various cavity receiver structures employing helical absorber tubes were investigated to provide either superheated steam or hot air efficiently. However, few studies have focused on receivers that generate both hot fluids simultaneously. The simultanoues generation can lead to a more compact and cheaper system, and can be used for applications such as a high-temperature electrolysis to produce green hydrogen or syngas. In our study, three different tubular solar cavity receivers were proposed and numerically investigated. Each receiver consists of three different processes: (1) water evaporation, (2) superheating steam, and (3) heating air. The 1D-3D model developed in our previous study was used to investigate the various aspects such as lamp-to-thermal (solar simulator was used as a light source) and exergy efficiencies. The numerical results have proven that the receiver employing both cylindrical and conical helical tubes can obtain the highest lamp-to-thermal (67.0%) and exergy efficiencies (46.9%). A parameter study was also conducted based on the chosen optimal receiver. The obtained results can become a basis for further implementation, and especially the use in high-temperature electrolysis could become crucial in a future energy system.

Heat transfer enhancement of supercritical carbon dioxide in eccentrical helical tubes

A type of eccentrical helical tube (EHT) was proposed for more efficient and compact supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO2) heat exchangers in refrigeration systems. The forced convective heat transfer of SCO2 flowing in three designed eccentrical helical tubes with pitches of 25, 50 mm and eccentricities of 0.9, 1.5 mm was simulated by using the three-dimensional steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, shear stress transport turbulence model and energy equation in ANSYS CFX 2019 R2 at mass fluxes of 200, 400 kg/m2s, inlet pressures of 8, 9 MPa, outwards wall heat fluxes of 12, 24 kW/m2. The flow and heat transfer models were validated in the plain tube with experimental mean heat transfer coefficient and empirical Darcy friction factor. Influences of pitch, eccentricity and operational conditions on heat transfer enhancement were identified. Flow pattern, heat transfer mechanism and vortex kinematics were clarified. Heat transfer enhancement of SCO2 in the EHT was compared with water and air in the EHT, twisted elliptical tube and conical tube, respectively. A pitch of 25 mm and eccentricity of 1.5 mm at 6 mm tube diameter can achieve a better thermal-hydraulic performance. A higher SCO2 mass flux raises Nusselt number and reduces friction factor, a higher inlet pressure and a larger wall heat flux reduces Nusselt number but increases friction factor. The ratio f/f0 is ranged in 2.52–1.68 and drops off with increasing inlet pressure and nominal Reynolds number, the ratios Nu/Nu0, ψ and η curves show a concave shape near the pseudocritical point ranged in 1.68–1.06 and 1.06–1.55, 1.23–0.83 and 0.83–1.30, 0.67–0.50 and 0.50–0.92 at the pitch of 25 mm and eccentricity of 1.5 mm, inlet pressure of 8 MPa, mass flux of 400 kg/m2s, and wall heat flux of 12 kW/m2. A helical flow pattern with a core flow occurs in the EHT, the local heat transfer coefficient can be correlated to absolute helicity. The high-wall shear stress on the ridge of the EHT is responsible for the heat transfer enhancement. The f/f0 value of the EHT is in between the twisted elliptical tube and the conical tube, but the Nu/Nu0 and ψ values are comparable.

Atg18 oligomer organization in assembled tubes and on lipid membrane scaffolds

Autophagy-related protein 18 (Atg18) participates in the elongation of early autophagosomal structures in concert with Atg2 and Atg9 complexes. How Atg18 contributes to the structural coordination of Atg2 and Atg9 at the isolation membrane remains to be understood. Here, we determined the cryo-EM structures of Atg18 organized in helical tubes, Atg18 oligomers in solution as well as on lipid membrane scaffolds. The helical assembly is composed of Atg18 tetramers forming a lozenge cylindrical lattice with remarkable structural similarity to the COPII outer coat. When reconstituted with lipid membranes, using subtomogram averaging we determined tilted Atg18 dimer structures bridging two juxtaposed lipid membranes spaced apart by 80 Å. Moreover, lipid reconstitution experiments further delineate the contributions of Atg18’s FRRG motif and the amphipathic helical extension in membrane interaction. The observed structural plasticity of Atg18’s oligomeric organization and membrane binding properties provide a molecular framework for the positioning of downstream components of the autophagy machinery.

Enhanced heat transfer performance of silver Nanofluids as coolants in a helical Shell and tube heat exchanger: an experimental study

Enhanced heat transfer performance of silver Nanofluids as coolants in a helical Shell and tube heat exchanger: an experimental study

Optimized shape design and thermal characteristics investigation of helically coiled tube type heat exchanger

The effects of the helical coil tube designs on heat transfer characteristics during heating process were conducted by some researchers and confirmed that the conventional helical coil tube was not the ideal shape for important heat transfer. Despite this, there was no published paper that presented the optimal helical coil structure for important heat transfer. Therefore, this work addresses the influence of different helical coil structure designs on heat transfer characteristics and temperature distribution during heating process. The study was performed for three configurations named constant-diameter coil, variable-diameter coil and variable-pitch coil. Based on CFD simulation, the mathematical model was validated with experimental results and show good agreement. The results suggest that the helical coil with variable-pitch gives the best heat transfer performance compared with other helical coil structure. Among all considered designs, the combined properties of the helical coil with variable-pitch were better than that of other helical coil structures. As a result, this work could provide a shortcut method in the selection of the appropriate helical coil immersed or wrapped on the tank which need the high heat transfer.

Experimental investigation of the performance of silver nanofluid as a coolant in a helical shell and tube heat exchanger

Experimental investigation of the performance of silver nanofluid as a coolant in a helical shell and tube heat exchanger

The effect of segmentation depth in a helical fin tube bundle on the anisotropic turbulence state

The large eddy simulation approach was used to perform a numerical simulation of a flow around a helical segmented-fin tube bundle. This work focuses on the study of turbulence and the effect of segment depth on it. The simulation was conducted in an area away from the boundaries of the tube bundle, where the flow is fully-developed, and the use of periodic boundary conditions is possible. The computer-aided design of the helical segmented-fin tube geometry is incorporated into the computational grid from the immersed boundary technique. The Reynolds stress tensor was used to analyze the anisotropic state of turbulence. This flow is characterized by an anisotropic state generated by a flow with a preferential direction. A transfer of momentum in the inter-segment space and contiguous zones was observed. This intersegment flow generates a less anisotropic state of turbulence. This study aimed to understand a possible transformation of heat transfer with marginal geometrical changes and pressure drop increases.

Numerical analysis of coupled flow and heat transfer in primary and secondary sides of double-side heating once-through steam generator with helical tubes

The inner tubes of double-side heating once-through steam generator (OTSG) with helical tubes are spiral channels, and the secondary fluid is heated on both sides, effectively improving the heat transfer efficiency. The spiral structure makes its flow heat transfer characteristics different from straight tube type OTSG. This article establishes a numerical model of Euler two-phase flow in double-side heating OTSG with helical tubes to analyze its velocity distribution, volume fraction distribution, and temperature distribution. The results show that the fluid spirally rises in the secondary flow passage, the velocity of two phases increases rapidly after vaporization, the slip ratio is greater than 1, the steam volume fraction on the wide side is higher than that on the narrow side, and the steam volume fraction presents a spiral distribution on the wall. The non-uniform circumferential steam volume fraction leads to the wall dryout first at the wide edge, and the wall temperature also presents a spiral distribution. The dryout position temperature rises 40.13 K along the Z direction, and the temperature gradient is 5.26 K/mm. The circumferential temperature rises 44.46 K, and the temperature gradient is 15.11 K/mm.

Experimental study on helical tubes heat transfer characteristics considering corrosion products

During the power operation of nuclear reactors, the corrosion products in the secondary circuit will deposit on the inside of Helical-coiled One-Through Steam Generator (H-OTSG) heat transfer tubes and form fouling. The main component of fouling is iron-based oxide, which generates from the heat exchangers made of cast iron. Fouling may change the local heat transfer characteristics of heat transfer tubes, and then affect the safety and economy of reactors. In order to obtain the distribution of fouling thickness and its action mechanism on helical tubes heat transfer characteristics, the heat transfer experiment under small pressurized reactors service environment was conducted. The experimental results indicate: corrosion products mainly deposit on onset of saturated boiling point with the maximum fouling thickness of 50 μm, and induce local wall temperature elevating about 773 K; fouling will increase the thermal equilibrium void fraction and hinder the heat transfer of helical tube, but has little impact on the onset position of saturated boiling point; corrosion products will release and re-deposit near dry-out point because of the flush of high speed vapor, causing the periodic fluctuation of thermal resistance of helical tube.

Modelling and lock-seam effects on compressive behaviour of concrete-filled helical corrugated steel tubes

Concrete-filled galvanized helical corrugated steel tube, abbreviated as CFCST, is a new type of composite member that has great potential to be used in seismically active regions or highly corrosive environments. However, the unique lock-seam connections of helical corrugated steel tube (CST) result in high difficulty in precise simulation analysis, and the effects of such connections on the mechanical properties are not clear, so further investigations are needed. This paper attempts to present a detailed finite element (FE) model of CFCST with the real dimension of lock-seam connections, and then investigate the effects of lock-seam connections on the basic compressive behaviour of CFCST stub columns. The FE models are developed with the consideration of the real shape of helical CST, the non-linearity of each constituent material, and the interfacial properties at lock-seam regions. The simulated results are verified carefully through comparisons against experimental results of 41 stub columns under axial compression in terms of failure modes, load–displacement histories, and local stress developments. The influence of lock-seams on the working mechanisms has been particularly investigated and discussed. Parametric studies have also been conducted to investigate the compressive behaviour of the CFCST. Finally, simplified design methods for axial compressive bearing capacity are proposed.

A photobioreactor for production of algae biomass from gaseous emissions of an animal house

Sustainable approaches to circular economy in animal agriculture are still poorly developed. Here, we report an approach to reduce gaseous emissions of CO2 and NH3 from animal housing while simultaneously using them to produce value-added biomass. To this end, a cone-shaped, helical photobioreactor was developed that can be integrated into animal housing by being freely suspended, thereby combining a small footprint with a physically robust design. The photobioreactor was coupled with the exhaust air of a chicken house to allow continuous cultivation of a mixed culture of Arthrospira spec. (Spirulina). Continuous quantification of CO2 and NH3 concentration showed that the coupled algae reactor effectively purifies the exhaust air from the chicken house while producing algal biomass. Typical production rates of greater than 0.3 g/l*day dry mass were obtained, and continuous operation was possible for several weeks. Morphological, biochemical, and genomic characterization of Spirulina cultures yielded insights into the dynamics and metabolic processes of the microbial community. We anticipate that further optimization of this approach will provide new opportunities for the generation of value-added products from gaseous CO2 and NH3 waste emissions, linking resource-efficient production of microalgae with simultaneous sequestration of animal emissions.Key points• Coupling a bioreactor with exhaust gases of chicken coop for production of biomass.• Spirulina mixed culture removes CO2 and NH3 from chicken house emissions.• High growth rates and biodiversity adaptation for nitrogen metabolism.Graphical abstractTowards a sustainable circular economy in livestock farming. The functional coupling of a helical tube photobioreactor with exhaust air from a chicken house enabled the efficient cultivation of Spirulina microalgae while simultaneously sequestering the animals’ CO2 and NH3 emissions.

Two-phase flow structures in a helically coiled microchannel: An experimental investigation

At the microfluidic scale, the utilization of helically coiled channels (HCCs), also known as a spiral channel, for two-phase flow offers numerous advantages in various applications. Existing articles mainly focus on the macro-scale transport, examining secondary flows induced in curved channels. The increasing demand, however, for innovative miniature equipment for thermal energy management emphasizes the importance of comprehending gas–liquid micro-scale flow in curved channels. Unfortunately, despite a vast body of literature on this paradigm, there is still a lack of systematic investigations into the underlying facets of two-phase micro-scale transport in HCCs. To address this gap, our study conducted experiments on adiabatic two-phase air–water flow inside an up-flow helical micro-scale tube. The tube had a hydraulic diameter of 0.87 mm, a coil diameter of 50 mm, and a helical pitch of 20 mm. The primary aim was to explore the impact of centrifugal force on flow pattern, void fraction, and frictional pressure drop characteristics. Additionally, we carefully examined the phase separation phenomenon influenced by the secondary flows induced by the curved channel. In particular, we compared the gas-core flow pattern (either throat-annular flow or annular flow), void fraction, and frictional pressure drop obtained from our experiments on the helical tube with corresponding results based on straight micro-scale channel configurations for an Eötvös number of approximately 0.01. In summary, this study delves deep into the crucial aspects of two-phase micro-scale transport in HCCs, contributing to a better understanding of these systems for future advancements in micro-channel applications.

Modeling and experimental study condenser performance of fixed bed pyrolysis reactor: A case study of solid waste palm starch processing

Sustainable management of vermicelli waste can reduce waste in the environment. In addition, this waste can be used as a renewable fuel source. This study researched the condenser performance concerning the pyrolysis process of biomass from palm starch waste. The solid waste of palm starch was collected from the traditional industry of vermicelli noodles in Klaten District, Indonesia. The solid waste of palm starch formed into RDF-5 biomass. In this research, we use numerical and experimental methods to obtain a performance model of a pyrolysis condenser. The numerical simulation and experiment used different variations of tube models and fluid flow directions. The numerical simulation results show that the helical tube performs better than the concentric tube regarding heat transfer rate and LMTD value. After getting the numerical result, we were going to experiment with three different helical coil-type condenser pipe diameters in the Fixed bed pyrolysis reactor. Based on the experimental results, the condenser with the smallest diameter and parallel flow direction has higher liquid smoke with 41.802% yield production. The pyrolysis of palm starch waste can reduce environmental waste and turn the waste into liquid smoke. However, before it can be used as a bio-diesel additive, the liquid smoke in this research needs to be processed further.

Torsional behaviour and working mechanism of concrete-filled galvanized helical corrugated steel tubes

Concrete-filled galvanized helical corrugated steel tubes (CFCSTs) are newly proposed for strengthening the corrosion resistance, ductility, and constructability of traditional RC structures. Their composite effectiveness and basic compressive, bending, and shear properties have been investigated previously. However, the unique spiral shape and lock-seam connections of the helical CST may lead to complex torsional responses, which have not been studied. This paper, therefore, attempts to present static experiments for the CFCSTs subjected to pure torsion and combined compression-torsion loads. The main test variables are the member types, loading directions, boundary conditions, and axial compression ratios. The static loading test set-up and instruments have been introduced in detail. The torsional working mechanisms are discussed carefully with the analysis of failure modes and torques versus torsional angle curves. The direct and indirect contributions in torsional resistances of the helical CST have been analysed and calculated through elastic-plastic stress/strain analysis. Finally, the applicability of the existing design methods for the torsional bearing capacity of CFCSTs is examined.

Study on two-phase flow instability of parallel helical tubes in steam generator of small modular reactors

The flow instability phenomenon within parallel helical tubes is experimentally studied. The oscillation characteristics of wall temperature are comprehensively discussed. In the experiment, the pressure of the test section is in the range of 2.7–6.0 MPa, the mass flux is in the range of 100–300 kg/m2s, the degree of inlet subcooling is in the range of 10–75 °C, and the inlet throttling is in the range of 82–328. This study reveals different effects of inlet subcooling. Specifically, increasing the inlet subcooling under high mass flux enhances the stability of parallel helical tubes. However, increasing the inlet subcooling under low mass flux and low subcooling weakens the stability. The oscillation period to mixture transit time ratio is small at high inlet subcooling and increases with decreasing subcooling. Furthermore, this study shows that the onset of wall temperature oscillation is closely related to the dryout phenomenon, and that the oscillation amplitude increases with increasing local quality. Finally, this study demonstrates that the flow instability can be accurately predicted using time-domain method. The simulation results show satisfactory accuracy, with the prediction errors of ± 15% for the instability threshold and oscillation period, and ± 20% for the wall temperature oscillation amplitude.

Thermo-hydraulic performance augmentation in residential heating applications using a novel multi-fluid heat exchanger with helical coil tube insertion

This study proposes a heat transfer augmentation technique using a brazed helix tube (BHT) fabricated from a helical tube with precision brazing between coil turns in a novel multi-fluid heat exchanger (NMFHE) for simultaneous heating of water and air using solar energy. The thermo-hydraulic performance of the present NMFHE for residential heating of water (CW) and air (CA) using hot water (HW) is tested experimentally. Nusselt number and friction factor for fluid flow inside the NMFHE are calculated as the thermo-hydraulic measure relating to variations in flow rate, inlet temperature, and flow configuration. Optimal flow parameters for overall optimized performances that is, maximum heat transfer and minimum pressure drop in NMFHE are determined using the Taguchi Grey relational approach. NMFHE performs efficiently in the Counterflow (cold water reverse) flow configuration with HW flow rate of 100 LPH, CW flow rate of 200 LPH, and HW inlet temperature of 70°C. The CW flow rate has the greatest impact on both the Nusselt number and friction factor, with a contribution of 82.37% and 93.42%, respectively. A confirmation test has been conducted to validate the findings, revealing a significant performance improvement of 32.19% when using the Grey relational grade model.