Journal of Enhanced Heat Transfer

DOI: 10.1615/JEnhHeatTransf.v11.i4.150

 download article 371-378 pages

Heat Transfer Augmentation for the Flow of Highly Viscous Fluids in Tubes Using Cross Trapezoid Wave Tape Inserts

Lu He
Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer & Energy Conservation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China

Dongsheng Zhu
Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer & Energy Conservation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China

Zhonglei Fan
Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer & Energy Conservation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China

Shengwei Wang
Department of Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

ABSTRACT

The development and heat transfer augmentation mechanism of a new type cross trapezoid wave tape (CTWT) insert was introduced. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the heat transfer, pressure drop, and fouling characteristics of CTWT inserts for heating of polymer resin and heavy oil, respectively. A 60 ~ 120% increase in heat transfer efficiency was achieved, accompanied by a 100% increase in pressure drop over comparable empty tubes. It was also found that CTWT inserts could beneficially reduce the fouling of tubes. Correlations for overall heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, and friction factor were derived from the experimental data.