Testing of Polymeric Hollow Fibre Heat Exchanger with Crossed Hollow Fibres

Abstract

The results of the development and experimental investigation of a polymeric hollow fibre heat exchanger are presented. A heat exchanger of a shell-and-tube type with an outer diameter of 80mm and a length of 350mm containing 2200 206mm-long polyamide hollow fibres with an outer diameter of 0.8mm cross-wound at an angle to the axis of the heat exchanger. Cross-winding was realized with the help of the modified winding system X-Winder. Cold water with a temperature of 13°C and a constant flow rate of 2160l/h was fed through the hollow fibres. The dependences of heat transfer characteristics on the shell fluid temperature and fluid flow rate are presented. The device was able to transfer 38kW at a shell water temperature of 70°C and a shell fluid flow rate of 800l/h. In these conditions, the maximum overall heat transfer coefficient reaches 1950W/m²K.