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ISSN Online: 2377-424X

ISBN Print: 0-85295-345-3

International Heat Transfer Conference 10
August, 14-18, 1994, Brighton, UK

AUGMENTATION OF HEAT TRANSFER IN LOW REYNOLD'S NO. FLOW INSIDE TUBES BY THE USE OF WIRE-FIN INSERTS

Get access (open in a dialog) DOI: 10.1615/IHTC10.930
pages 173-176

Abstract

The flow of viscous liquids through heat exchangers often results in very low heat transfer coefficients, especially if these liquids are routed through the tubeside. In order to increase the heat transfer coefficient and thereby produce a cheaper design, the designer often tends to relegate the viscous liquid to the shellside. However, this results in maintenance problems as the outside of tubes is much more difficult to clean than the inside. It is therefore desirable to have the viscous liquid on the tubeside and to increase the heat transfer coefficient by a suitable augmentation technique. This paper discusses the various augmentation techniques presently available and recommends the case of wire-fin inserts which appear to be the most scientific as well as cost-effective. Although the technology has been around for well over a decade, it has not become particularly popular. Plant owners / operators should adopt a less conservative approach and give tube inserts a fair chance as it is they who will benefit from this innovative technology.