Model Validation for the Heat Transfer in Gasket Plate Heat Exchangers Working with Vegetable Oils

Abstract

Many models for accurately predicting the performance of gasket plate heat exchangers were developed in the last decades, grouped in three categories: empirical, semi-analytical or theoretical/numerical, with the view to saving materials and energy through correct design of industrial equipment. This work addresses one such model, namely Lévêque correlation modified by Martin and by Dović, which is promising due to the correct assumption of the flow in sine duct channels and the consideration of energy losses caused by flow reversal at plate edges and the flow path changing when entering the chevron angle. This model was validated by our own experimental data under industrial conditions for vegetable oils processing, both in laminar flow (Re = 8–42) and fully developed turbulent flow (Re = 446–1137). Moreover, in this study, particular values for constants/parameters of the model were determined for the corrugation inclination angle relative to vertical direction equal to 30°. Through statistical analysis, this study demonstrates that this particularized form of the generalized Lévêque correlation can be used with confidence.

Theoretical analysis of the influence of the chevron inclination angle on the thermal performance of a gasket plate heat exchanger

“…The geometric characteristic and physical parameters of the heat exchangers used in the present work were those tested by Neagu and Koncsag [2]. The relevant fact regarding the models is that Skočilas and Palaziuk [1] used water as the working fluid and two chevron plates for the numerical simulation (CFD).…”

“…The relevant fact regarding the models is that Skočilas and Palaziuk [1] used water as the working fluid and two chevron plates for the numerical simulation (CFD). The work developed by Neagu and Koncsag [2] was theoretical and experimental in an industrial plant, using water and vegetable oil as working fluids, and presented comparisons with relative errors below 20 %.…”

“…Neagu and Konsag [2] validate Lévêque's semianalytical model using experimental data obtained in four heat exchangers of different sizes. The model considers the flow in the cell's sine duct in the furrow direction, and Nusselt numbers are calculated considering the construction of the channels.…”

“…Researchers have made numerous efforts to increase the performance of gasket plate heat exchangers; however, regarding the influence of the inclination angle of the chevron plates, there are different procedures recommended for determining the performance of the gasket plate heat exchanger. The work analyses three of these procedures [1][2][3], which have different degrees of refinement. The objective is to present the observed differences and emphasize them so that the differences between them are evident.…”

“…The present work theoretically analyses the influence of the three abovementioned parameters, but with a greater emphasis on the aspect related to the inclination angle. This parameter has been the object of a recent analysis [1,2] through different methodologies, that is, a model that applies computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and another, more comprehensive, that uses a semi-analytical model coupled to an experimental procedure in an industrial plant. These procedures contrast with many works in which the influence of the angle of inclination is not considered in determining the thermal performance of a gasket plate heat exchanger.…”