Suggestion of Correlations to Obtain Shell and Tube Side Nusselt Numbers in Coiled Heat Exchangers

Abstract

In coiled tube heat exchangers increase in curvature ratio and effective contact of shell fluid with coil surface led to better thermal characteristics. This work addresses study of thermal performance, shell and tube heat transfer coefficients (ho and hi). Also, mathematical correlations are predicted to obtain shell and tube Nusselt numbers (Nuo and Nui). In the designing of compact coiled heat exchangers consisting of straight helical coil (SHC), conical coil (CC) and spiral coil knowledge of Nuo and Nui is necessary whereas mathematical correlation to calculate Nuo considering variations in shell geometry is not found. Five heat exchangers consisting of three cone coils (angle, ϴ = 30°, 50° and 70°), spiral coil (ϴ = 0°) and SHC (ϴ = 90°) are tested. Using Wilson plot method ho and hi are obtained for wide range of tube side Reynolds numbers (Rei = 3700 - 21000). It is observed that, highest ho is obtained for ϴ = 30°CC with better thermal performance. Lowest ho is obtained for ϴ = 90°SHC. Ratio of height of shell, Hs and diameter of shell, Dso is considered in prediction of single correlation as: Nuo = 16.55.Reo0.55.Pro0.4 *(Hs/Dso)0.096. Comparison with experimental findings shows variation of 0-14%. Similarly two correlations are proposed as: Nui = 0.0512.Rei0.80.Pri0.4.CRave0.18 and Nui = 0.0365.Dei0.815.Pri0.4.CRave-0.3. A fair agreement is found with existing researchers.