TITLE:
Channel Flows in Plate Heat Exchangers with the Aid of Particle Tracking Velocimetry
AUTHORS:
Felipe José dos Santos, Leonel Edward Beckedorff, Kleber Vieira de Paiva, Jorge Luiz Goes Oliveira
KEYWORDS:
PHE, PTV, PSHE, Friction Factor, Chevron
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Fluid Dynamics,
Vol.14 No.3,
September
12,
2024
ABSTRACT: Channel flows of Plate Heat Exchangers (PHEs) were assessed by experiments with three different chevron angle arrangements in turbulent regime. Two chevron angles were selected to assess low and high pressure drop channels, besides a third mixed configuration as to achieve in-between results regarding hydraulic performance. Friction factor correlations were provided with the channel Reynolds number ranging from 1175 to 8325. Two-dimensional (2D) mean velocity field was obtained by Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) with Reynolds number equal to 3450. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first experimental study that quantified the complete 2D velocity field of a typical PHE channel. This value allowed comparison with literature results of Plate and Shell Heat Exchanger (PSHE) channels with the same Reynolds number. PSHE mean velocity field is highly heterogeneous as compared to the one obtained for PHE channels. Peak velocity magnitude in the PSHE center is 50% higher than its bulk velocity, whereas this value is only 15% higher in the PHE center. Pressure drop in PHE mixed channels cannot be approximated by averaging chevron angles: furrow flow prevailed in the specified conditions. The axial velocity is asymmetric regarding the vertical plane. Smooth streamlines prevail in the channel inlet. Recirculation zones at the channel exit affect pipe flow in the manifold outlet with swirling flow structures. The necessary length to obtain fully developed pipe flow at the channel outlet was estimated. Significant velocity components occur in the distribution areas and can limit the heat exchanger performance. The results reported herein are essential to understand how the PHE channel geometry affects the velocity field and, therefore, local heat transfer and dissipation processes.