Evaluation for the performance of heat transfer process in a double pipe heat exchanger using nanofluids

Abstract

This research investigates the effects of employing nanofluids in a tubular heat exchanger on the heat transfer process. The performance of employing water as a base fluid and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a varying concentration nanofluid as operational fluids was investigated in an experimental investigation. The current study makes use of an Armfield Heat Exchanger (HT31) and an Armfield heat exchange service unit (HT30X). Five volumetric concentrations of nanomaterials were used to make nanofluids (0.22%, 0.33%, 0.66%, 1.1%, 1.53%). The Reynolds number of the flow inside the tube ranged from 1598 to 8000. By measuring the variables, the overall heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, friction factor, and mean Nusselt number are computed. The overall heat transfer coefficient increases as the concentration of MWCNTS and the mass of flow increase, according to the experimental data. In comparison to distilled water, the Nusselt number value has increased by 68%, this increase is due to the nanoparticles’ volume concentration. Pressure drop values increase significantly when nanofluids are used. The friction factor increases as the volume concentration of nanoparticles increases. A relationship between Reynolds number and MWCNT volume concentration is proposed for computing the Nusselt number. An acceptable agreement may be found by comparing the results of the current investigation to the literature.