Augmentation of laminar flow and heat transfer in flat tubes by means of helical screw-tape inserts

The heat transfer a characteristics and friction factor in the horizontal double pipes of flat tubes with full length helical screw element of different twist ratio and helical screw inserts with different spacer length are investigated. Cold and hot water are used as working fluid in tube side and shell side respectively. The experiments covered a range of Reynolds numbers 5.7 x 10(2) <= Re <= 1.31 x 10(3). The effect of spacer length on the heat transfer augmentation and friction factor and the effect of twist ratio on heat transfer augmentation and friction factor have been presented separately. The study shows that, the Nusslet number (Nu) and friction factor (f) decrease with the increase of S or Y for flat tube. The comparison between the data of present plain circular with that of previous plain circular tube showed a good agreement between them but the data of present plain flat tube showed a higher in heat transfer and pressure drop than that of plain circular tube. The correlations of average Nusselt number and friction factor with Re, S and Y are presented. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.