College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering Department

CME320: Chemical Engineering Laboratory I
FALL 2017

Experiment 4
Heat Exchangers
Name ID
Amal Radwan Jamal Eddin 1050893
Sara Alhallaq 1051713
Zaina AlDhaheri 1046702
Saniha Aysha Ajith 1051470

Group#1
Section: 51
Instructors: Eng. Elron Gomes
Experiment Date: Sunday, October 12, 2017
Submission Date: Sunday, October 22, 2017
Abstract
Heat exchanger is a device that exchanges heat between two fluids in which one is extremely hotter
than the other. This experiment investigates the difference in shell and tube heat exchanger and
concentric tube heat exchanger performances for both counter current and parallel flow systems at
different flow rates. More specifically, the hot flow was set at 2 L/min constant as a control, and
the effect of varying the cold flow rate on heat exchangers was studied. Both heat exchanger used
were TecQuipment’s Bench-top Heat Exchangers. The results found included that the increase in
the flow rate decreases the cold temperature difference, increases in the hot temperature difference,
and increases the heat transferred and the overall heat coefficient. The heat absorbed and heat
emitted through heat exchanging process at different flow rates and current regimes were
determined. It was found that the ratio between heat absorbed and heat emitted, which is the
coefficient of energy balance 𝐶𝐸𝐵 , is not equal to one. This indicates a possible heat exchange
between the heat exchanger and the surrounding. The closest value to 1was 1.01. This value was
obtained from a concentric tube heat exchanger of a cold-water flow rate of 3 (L/min) in parallel
flow and a cold-water flow rate of 2(L/min) in counter flow. An overall heat transfer coefficient
at different cold-water fluid flow rates were measured. It was found that as the cold-water flow
rate increases, the overall heat transfer increases. Also, the overall heat transfer was found to be
the highest in the concentric tube heat exchanger of a parallel flow connection, at 3 L/min. The
overall heat transfer coefficient at these conditions was found to be 87.940 (J/min.m2.K).

1
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Theory ........................................................................................................................................... 10
Equipment Set-up.......................................................................................................................... 13
Procedure ...................................................................................................................................... 18
Safety Considerations ............................................................................................................... 19
Data ............................................................................................................................................... 19
Results ........................................................................................................................................... 21
Sample Calculations...................................................................................................................... 31
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................... 35
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 37
References ..................................................................................................................................... 37

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List of Figures

Figure 1 - Rotary generators ........................................................................................................... 6

Figure 2 - Cooling Tower ............................................................................................................... 6
Figure 3- Bench-top concentric tube heat exchanger ..................................................................... 6
Figure 4 - Flow schematic of concentric heat exchange ................................................................. 6
Figure 5 - Shell and Tube heat exchanger ...................................................................................... 7
Figure 6 - TecQuipment Shell and tube heat exchanger ................................................................. 7
Figure 7 - Schematic of Shell and Tube heat exchanger ................................................................ 7
Figure 8 - TecQuipment bench-top plate heat exchanger ............................................................... 8
Figure 9 - Flow schematic of plate heat exchanger ........................................................................ 8
Figure 10 - Tube and fin heat excahnger ........................................................................................ 8
Figure 11 – Relationship between specific heat capacity and water temperature ........................ 10
Figure 12 – Relationship between density and water temperature ............................................... 11
Figure 13 - TeQuipment’s Bench-top Heat Exchangers’ Service Module (TD360) .................... 14
Figure 14 - Hot and cold circuit digital displays........................................................................... 14
Figure 15 - Connections between the Service Module and the heat exchanger. .......................... 15
Figure 16 -Tank level indicator, PID-temperature controller, and pump switch .......................... 15
Figure 17 -Hot-water circuit pump. .............................................................................................. 16
Figure 18 -Needle valve to adjust and maintain the water flowrates. ........................................... 16
Figure 19 -VDAS connections on the Service Module. ............................................................... 17
Figure 20 -Draining pipe used for the heat exchangers ................................................................ 17
Figure 21 - STHE Temperature Vs. Position (Parallel flow)........................................................ 21
Figure 22 - STHE Temperature Vs. Position (Counter-current flow) .......................................... 21
Figure 23 - Concentric HE Temperature Vs. Position (Parallel flow) .......................................... 22
Figure 24 - Concentric HE Temperature Vs. Position (Counter-current flow) ............................ 22
Figure 25 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for STHE in parallel flow ................................................... 28
Figure 26 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for STHE in Counter-current flow ...................................... 29
Figure 27 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for concentric HE in parallel flow ...................................... 29
Figure 28 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for concentric HE in counter-current flow .......................... 30

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List of Tables

Table 1: Idealized heat exchanger of different flow configurations ............................................... 5

Table 2: Dimensions of different heat exchangers. ...................................................................... 18
Table 3: Data collected for Shell and tube heat exchanger with parallel flow connection ........... 19
Table 4: Data collected for Shell and tube heat exchanger with counter flow connection ........... 20
Table 5: Data collected for concentric heat exchanger with parallel flow connection ................. 20
Table 6:Data collected for concentric heat exchanger with counter flow connection .................. 20
Table 7: Hot and cold water density results for different flow connections of both heat
exchangers..................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 8: Hot and cold water specific heat results for different flow connections of both heat
exchangers..................................................................................................................................... 24
Table 9: Calculated heat emitted................................................................................................... 25
Table 10: Calculated heat absorbed .............................................................................................. 26
Table 11: Calculated mean temperature efficiency ...................................................................... 27
Table 12: Calculated coefficient of energy balance ...................................................................... 28
Table 13: Calculated overall heat transfer coefficient .................................................................. 30

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Introduction
Heat exchangers are industrial devices whose key function is effective transfer or exchange of
heat, typically from one fluid to another. In order for heat to be transferred, the two fluids must be
at different temperatures and they must come thermal contact. Heat is transferred by convection
between fluids and separating wall and by conduction through the separating wall. Heat flows from
a hot fluid to a cold fluid, which can be either gases or liquids, for the aim of cooling or heating a
specific fluid. For an efficient exchanger's performance, the heat transfer area between the two
fluids is usually maximized; whereas, the resistance to fluid flow through the exchanger is
minimized in order to not exceed the allowable pressure drop of a heat exchanger given by the
manufacturers. The addition of fins or corrugations in one or both directions of fluids flow, assists
in increasing the contact surface area, inducing turbulence, and channeling fluid flow [1].

The classifications of heat exchangers are based on the nature of heat exchange process, state of
fluids, arrangement of the flow of heat exchanger, and the design and construction of heat
exchanger [2]. Heat Exchangers can be mainly classified by flow configurations or by
constructions. There are three main types of flow configurations that can distinguish heat
exchangers from one another which are parallel flow, cross flow and countercurrent flow. In
parallel-flow heat exchangers, the fluids flows in the same direction, entering and exiting side by
side. While in countercurrent flow, the fluids flow parallel to one another and in opposite
directions. This type of flow arrangement is the most efficient as it allows the largest change in
temperature of both fluids. In cross-flow heat exchangers, the fluids flow perpendicular to each
other. Table 1 illustrates idealized heat exchanger of different fluid configurations [3].

Table 1: Idealized heat exchanger of different fluid configurations

Flow Type Illustration Description

Co-current Flow Fluids flow in the same direction
entering at one end and exiting at
the other end.

Counter Current Flow Hot fluid enters from one end,

and the cold fluid enters from the
other end.

Cross Flow Fluids flow perpendicular to the

other. This means, as one fluid is
passing through a tube, the other
fluid passes at a 90-degree angle.

5
Based on the heat exchanger classification by construction, heat exchangers are categorized into
recuperative, regenerative, and evaporative heat exchangers. The fluids in recuperative type of heat
exchangers are separated using fins or walls, and heat is exchanged between them. Common
examples of this type are shell and tube heat exchanger, concentric heat exchanger, air cooled heat
exchangers, and plate heat exchangers. In a regenerative heat exchanger, the flow path consists of
a matrix that will be heated when a hot fluid passes through it, then cold fluid flows through the
hot matrix and heat will transfer to the cold fluid [3]. The flow in this type of heat exchangers is
cyclic and changes direction periodically. Rotary generators, which are shown in Figure 1, are
examples of regenerative heat exchanger. Evaporative heat exchangers function is to cool a fluid,
vapor, through the evaporation of another fluid, liquid, where both are in the same space [4].
Cooling tower, which shown in Figure 2 is considered as an evaporative heat exchanger.

Figure 1 - Rotary generators Figure 2 - Cooling Tower

Concentric Tube Heat Exchangers

A concentric heat exchanger is a simple shell and type heat exchanger. It consists of a pipe fixed
concentrically inside a larger pipe or tube. In this type of exchanger, one fluid (eg. hot water) flows
inside a pipe, while the other fluid (e.g Cold water) flows between that pipe and another pipe that
surrounds the first. The inside pipe is often called a tube, while the outer one is called a shell. There
are two kinds of flow configurations in which this heat exchanger can operate. Circuits can be
connected to give co-current or counter current [1]. Figure 3 shows an image of a concentric tube
heat exchanger used for laboratory purposes, while Figure 4 a schematic of how concentric tube
heat exchanger work for both parallel and counter flows.

Figure 3- Bench-top concentric tube heat exchanger Figure 4 - Flow schematic of concentric heat exchange

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Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Shell and tube heat exchangers are mostly used in chemical industries. They are made up of tubes
contained in a cylindrical shell. The major component of this type of heat exchangers are: Heat
exchanger shell, baffles, connection chamber, guide chamber, internal tubes, and tube sheets.
Baffles in some shell and tube exchangers are placed in the shell to induce turbulence. The fluid
that passes inside the tubes has a higher pressure, or is more corrosive than the fluid forced to flow
through the shell. On the other hand, the fluid passing in shells flows around the tubes and baffles
and has a more turbulent flow [5]. The internal tubes can either contain a cold fluid to be heated
by a hot fluid passing through the shell or a hot fluid to be cooled by a cold fluid passing through
the shell. These two fluids are separated from each other; thus, they exchange heat without mixing
up together. Shell and tube heat exchangers can function as condenser in order to cool a stream or
as a re-boiler in order to heat and change the phase of the stream [6]. Figure 5 shows a shell and
tube heat exchanger used in industries, while Figure 6 shows an image of a shell and tube heat
exchanger used for laboratory purposes. The flow arrangement in shell and tube exchangers can
be either a parallel flow(co-current), a counter flow, or a cross flow. A schematic of how shell and
tube heat exchanger work for both parallel and counter flows is shown in Figure 7.

Figure 5 - Shell and Tube heat exchanger Figure 6 - TecQuipment Shell and tube heat exchanger

Figure 7 - Schematic of Shell and Tube heat exchanger

7
Plate Heat Exchangers
Plate heat exchangers are invented in 1923 by Richard Seligman [1]. They are built from multiple
plates of prime large surfaces stacked with slight separation distances between them and
maintained by a gasket. In fact, this type of heat exchangers is a flexible type to deal with, because
the number of plates is unlimited. Plates can be added or compressed depending on different
situations [7]. The large size of the plates that this type consists of, makes it effective. In the process
of heat exchanging, hot and cold fluids flow through the channels alternately to exchange heat. In
addition, each plate has four opening ports in which gaskets are used to block the flow of fluids
inside some plate and allow the them to flow inside other plates alternatively. This is done in order
to transfer heat between plates as well. Figure 8 shows an image of a plate heat exchanger used
for laboratory purposes. Also, a schematic of how a plate heat exchanger work for both parallel
and counter flows is shown in Figure 9.

Figure 8 - TecQuipment bench-top plate heat exchanger Figure 9 - Flow schematic of plate heat exchanger

Tube and fin Heat exchangers

Tube and fin heat exchanger is one of the widely used heat exchanger technologies which is
manufactured by a company named Lytron. Tube and fin heat exchanger offers air-to-liquid
cooling or liquid-to-air cooling. The composed of fin, hairpin tubes, return bends to connect the
hairpins, a tube sheet to tubes alignment, a header with inlets and outlets, side plates for structural
support, and a fan plate. Fins increase the surface area for additional heat convection. The tubes
provide the path for the liquid coolant. The material that tubes and fins are made of is usually
copper since it has a superb thermal conductivity. As well as its compatible with water and ethylene
glycol solutions [8]. Figure 10 shows an image of tube and fin heat exchangers.

Figure 10 - Tube and fin heat excahnger

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Depending on the first law of thermodynamics, the energy of the world is being exchanged all the
time from one material to the other, and from one type to the other. Therefore, the transfer of
energy is present in many applications around us. As heat exchangers’ function is to transfer
thermal energy efficiently from one matter to the other, it is used in many industrial or residential
applications. Industrial applications include oil cooling systems, refrigeration systems, waste water
heat recovery, re-boilers, condensers, and evaporators. While, residential applications are pool
heaters, domestic heating systems, radiant floor heating, snow and ice melting, and central, solar,
and geothermal heating. Due to the fact that each type of heat exchangers has a particular
characteristics and limitations, set of criteria are considered for the selection of the best type of
heat exchanger to do the job required including High/ Low pressure limits, temperature ranges,
thermal Performance, pressure Drops across the exchanger, and many more. Below is a description
of common applications that work based on heat exchanging concept [1].

Applications of Heat Exchangers

Car Radiators
A car radiator is a well-known application for heat exchangers. Its purpose is to take the heat
generated by the engine of the car to resist the increase in temperature. The fluid in this case is
water in addition to an antifreeze, which increases temperature of boiling and decreases
temperature of freezing, while the gas is air. When the fluid is heated from the engine, it passes
through the radiator where air cools it down and send it back around the engine [9].

Refrigerators
Refrigerators also depend on heat exchangers. A coolant in liquid phase passes through a valve
which will decrease the pressure suddenly and expand it into gas. The gas passes through a pipe
usually at the back of the refrigerators cabinet and takes the heat of the food stored then flows back
through a compressor to become liquid, giving out the heat, and passes through thin radiator pipes
until it reaches the valve again [10].

Air-conditioners
In an air-conditioner, a vent sucks warm air from the room around the cooling coils of the
conditioner which contains a cooling liquid. As the heat is absorbed from the air, the cooling agent
vaporizes. Cooled air is blown back in the room and the cooling agent is compressed and give up
heat to turn back into liquid. The heat is transferred to outside atmosphere [11].

This experiment uses a shell and type heat exchanger as well as a concentric heat exchanger to
investigate the effect of parallel and counter fluid flow on the functioning of each heat exchangers.
One more objective is to measure the over all heat transfer coefficient at different flow rate and
different flow regimes

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Theory
This section includes the parametric equations that designate the nature of heat exchange and the
performance of heat exchangers.

Heat Capacity

Heat Capacity (C) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a given mass 1 kelvin
or degree Celsius. It is a product of mass (m) multiplied by the specific heat capacity (c)

C= m * c……………………………………………………………………………………...Equation.1

Specific Heat Capacity is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg mass of a
material 1 degree Celsius. It is calculated by dividing the change of heat energy over the change
in temperature.
∆𝑄
c = ∆𝑇 ………………………………………………………………………………………..Equation.2

Specific heat capacity is affected by the change in pressure and temperature. The following
equation is used to calculate specific heat capacity assuming g a constant pressure over a known
range of temperature, isobaric system.
∆𝑄
cp= ∆𝑇 …………………………………………………………………………………..........Equation.3

In order to calculate the specific heat capacity for mean water temperature, a graph shown in
Figure. 11, is used. This graph includes the specific heat capacity of water at different mean
temperature. Also, Equation 4, formed based on data from tests, is used for more accurate results.
This equation uses temperature in degree Celsius.

Figure 11 – Relationship between specific heat capacity and water temperature

𝐶𝑝 ( 𝑎𝑡 𝑇℃) 𝑇+100 5.26

𝐶𝑝 ( 𝑎𝑡 15 ℃)
= 0.996185 + 0.0002874 ( 100
) + 0.011160 × 10−0.036𝑇 …………...…Equation.4

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Density

The density of water is slightly affected by the temperature of water. Water’s maximum density is
at approximately 4 degrees Celsius. Its density decreases as its temperature increases. A graph as
shown in Figure 12 is used to calculate water density at a given water temperature, for a unit mass
and a constant pressure. Alternatively, Equation 5 can be used for more accurate results (where T
is water temperature in degrees centigrade).

Figure 12 – Relationship between density and water temperature

…………….Equation.5

Heat Transfer Rate

In heat exchangers, heat is exchanged between the fluids. Heat transfer rate can be calculated by
multiplying the fluid mass flow rate by the temperature change and the specific heat capacity of
the fluid

…………………………………………………………………………..Equation.6

Ideal heat exchanger the cool fluid absorbs all the heat from the hot fluid, this means there is no
heat emitted or absorbed from the surroundings. Consequently, the rate heat transfer of cold fluid
is equal to the rate of heat transfer of the hot fluid:

…… …………………………………………..Equation.7

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Rearrange Equation 7 in terms of volumetric flow rates:

………………………………..Equation.8

A correlation between the energy absorbed and emitted is given the Energy balance coefficient
(CEB)

………………………………………………………………………………..Equation.9

However, in the case of heat loss, when the system absorb heat from surrounding the CEB will be
greater than 1, while when heat is emitted to the surround the energy balance coefficient will be
less than 1. Therefore, in real situations:

………………………………………………......Equation.10

Temperature Efficiency

More convenient results for comparison between heat exchangers are obtained through the use of
mean temperature efficiency and heat transfer coefficient. Mean temperature efficiency is
calculated using the temperature efficiency of the hot and cold circuits.

Temperature efficiency of the hot circuit is calculated by dividing the temperature change in the
hot circuit over the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the hot and
cold circuits
𝑇𝐻1 −𝑇𝐻2
ƞ𝐻 = 𝑥 100 ……………………………………………………………………..Equation.11
𝑇𝐻1 −𝑇𝐶1

Temperature efficiency of the cold circuit is calculated by dividing the temperature change in the
cold circuit over the difference between the maximum and minimum temperatures of the hot and
cold circuits:

𝑇 −𝑇
ƞ𝐶 = 𝑇 𝐶2 −𝑇𝐶1 𝑥 100 ……………………………………………………………………...Equation.12
𝐻1 𝐶1

The average of the two circuits temperature efficiencies is mean temperature efficiency.

ƞ𝐻 +ƞ𝐶
ƞ̅ = ……………………………………………………………………..................Equation.13
2

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Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD)

In order to measure the temperature driving force for heat transfer in flow systems, LMTD is used.
LMTD is a logarithmic average of the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids at
each end of the heat exchanger.

(𝑇𝐻2 −𝑇𝐶2 )−(𝑇𝐻1 −𝑇𝐶1 )

𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 = 𝑇 −𝑇 ……………………………………………………………..Equation.14
ln( 𝐻2 𝐶2 )
𝑇𝐻1 −𝑇𝐶1

Heat transfer Coefficient (U)

Overall heat transfer coefficient determines how efficiently a heat exchanger works. A good heat
exchanger has a high overall heat transfer coefficient.

𝑄̇
𝑒
𝑈 = 𝐴 𝑥 𝐿𝑀𝑇𝐷 ………………………………………………………………………………Equation.15

Equipment Set-up
TeQuipment’s Bench-top Heat Exchangers were used for this experiment as they have the ability
to calculate values and compare them to values that can be seen in real life industrial heat
exchangers such as the flowrates and temperatures. The TeQuipment’s Bench-top Heat
Exchangers are small and easy to work with in the laboratory [1].

The most important part of the Bench-top Heat Exchangers is the Service Module (TD360), shown
in Figure 13, as it is the core of the TD360 range [12]. Two main heat exchangers were available
to be tested, which are shell and tube heat exchanger and concentric tube heat exchanger. The
service module has hot water circuit and cold water circuit digital displays that show both the
flowrate and the temperature of the cold and hot water streams, displayed in Figure 14. A heater
tank switch control, thermocouple connectors, and VDAS hardware are also components of the
service module. In addition, service module has a basal space for the optional heat exchanger as
shown in Figure 13

The heat exchanger is on a tray that can easily be screwed to the Service Module base and removed.
The heat exchanger is connected to the Service Module with a temperature measurement K-type
thermocouple of the inlet and outlet hot and cold streams and hot and cold water pipes to measure
the flowrates as displayed in Figure 15, where the red pipes are for the hot-water streams, the blue
pipes are for the cold-water streams and the green wires are the K-type thermocouples. Some heat
exchangers have built-in thermocouples for extra temperature measurement [2].

The Service Module is made simple with all connections labeled. It connects to an electrical
supply, cold water supply and drain [1]. The water supply was from the laboratory sink. The

13
 Service Module provides cold and hot water to the heat exchanger through the pipes connected on
both the Service Module and the heat exchanger being tested.

Cold water circuit

Hot water circuit display
display

Optional VDAS
Heater tank controls

Thermocouple
Connections

Basal space for optional

HE

Figure 13 - TeQuipment’s Bench-top Heat Exchangers’ Service Module (TD360)

Figure 14 - Hot and cold circuit digital displays.

14
 Figure 15 - Connections between the Service Module and the heat exchanger.

The hot-water circuit in the Service Module is composed of a heater tank that has a PID-controller
where the desired temperature is set, a tank level indicator, and a pump to recirculate the hot water
from the tank as the flowrates get manually adjusted (refer to Figures 16 and 17). A button on the
Service Module is electrically operated that when pressed, it opens the valve to let water enter the
heater tank, also shown in Figure 16. The heater tank is safe, where it can detect dangerously high
temperatures and critical liquid levels, such as, overfilling and low water levels. The flowrates and
temperatures of the hot-water circuit are more stable [1][12].

Figure 16 -Tank level indicator, PID-temperature controller, and pump switch

15
 Figure 17 -Hot-water circuit pump.

The cold-water circuit in the Service Module is connected to an external water supply (in our case,
water from the laboratory sink) and has a flow regulator. Like the hot-water circuit, the cold-water
circuit flowrate can be adjusted manually through needle valves as shown in Figure 18. Moreover,
hot and cold water systems have flow meters that control and measure the flowrates [12].

Figure 18 -Needle valve to adjust and maintain the water flowrates.

The TeQuipment has an optional software-controlled data through Versatile Data Acquisition
System (VDAS®). It has a connection on the Service Module, shown in Figure 19 and can be

16
connected to a computer, where the software gives accurate data, calculations and charts of
the important readings [12].

Figure 19 -VDAS connections on the Service Module.

A flexible pipe is used at the end of the experiment to drain out the water from the heat
exchanger. The pipe is shown in Figure 20.

Figure 20 -Draining pipe used for the heat exchangers

The dimensions of the heat exchangers used in this experiment are shown in Table 2

17
Table 2: Dimensions of different heat exchangers.

Procedure

1. Turn the PID-controller on, and choose a set point at 53°C and release the controller.
2. Turn on the pump of the hot-water circuit.
3. Place the shell and tube heat exchanger on the Service Module by the screws and make
the connections for parallel flow as described on the heat exchanger tray.
4. Using the manual needle valves, adjust the hot-water valve to 2.5 and the cold-water valve
to 1. (Note: Make sure two persons are adjusting the cold-water valves, as one adjust the
valve from the sink tap water and one adjusts the valve on the Service Module).
5. Wait for 4 minutes for the temperatures to stabilize and record the hot and cold
temperature readings.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for a constant hot-water flowrate but for cold-water flowrates of 2,
2.5, and 3.
7. Change the connections to counter-flow and repeat steps 4 to 6.
8. Unscrew the shell and tube heat exchanger and remove from the Service Module.
9. Use the drain pipe to remove the water from the heat exchanger.
10. Place the concentric heat exchanger and screw onto the Service Module.

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 11. Make parallel flow connections and repeat steps 4 to 9.
12. Switch off the pump and turn off the main electrical supply

Safety Considerations
Mechanical Hazards: Damages in the service module if connections are not installed properly,
trays of the heat exchangers can get out of place if the heat exchangers were not held properly,
and precipitates forming due to corrosion if any type of water is used in the heater tank other
than distilled water.

Electrical Hazards: Electrical shocks and burns if water spills are not considered carefully while
using the equipment.

Physical Hazards: Hand burns if not being cautious when working with the hot water system,
especially the metallic valve, and electric shock damages if using electrical connections with
water on the hands.

Data

Ambient Temperature 23 oC

Heater tank Temperature 55 oC

Table 3: Data collected for Shell and tube heat exchanger with parallel flow connection

Test Hot Cold TH1 TH2 ∆TH TC1 TC2 ∆TC

Flow Flow (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC)
(L/ min) ( L/ min)
1 2.0 1.0 54.1 50.8 3.3 22.5 31.9 9.4
2 2.0 2.0 54.3 50.8 3.5 28.1 32.0 3.9
3 2.0 2.5 54.5 50.8 3.7 30.9 34.2 3.3
4 2.0 3.0 54.6 51.0 3.6 32.8 35.4 2.6

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Table 4: Data collected for Shell and tube heat exchanger with counter flow connection

Test Hot Cold TH1 TH2 ∆TH TC1 TC2 ∆TC

Flow Flow (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC)
(L/ min) ( L/ min)
1 2.0 1.0 54.3 51.4 2.9 30.8 35.8 5.0
2 2.0 2.0 54.6 51.4 3.2 31.1 35.2 4.1
3 2.0 2.5 54.6 51.2 3.4 32.2 35.1 2.9
4 2.0 3.0 54.5 51.1 3.4 33.3 35.6 2.3

Table 5: Data collected for concentric heat exchanger with parallel flow connection

Test Hot Cold TH1 TH2 ∆TH TC1 TC2 ∆TC

Flow Flow (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC)
(L/ min) ( L/ min)
1 2.0 1.0 54.4 51.4 3.0 30.4 36.0 5.6
2 2.0 2.0 54.7 50.9 3.8 30.5 34.4 3.9
3 2.0 2.5 54.7 51.0 3.7 31.8 34.8 3.0
4 2.0 3.0 54.8 50.9 3.9 33.1 35.7 2.6

Table 6:Data collected for concentric heat exchanger with counter flow connection

Test Hot Cold TH1 TH2 ∆TH TC1 TC2 ∆TC

Flow Flow (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) (oC)
(L/ min) ( L/ min)
1 2.0 1.0 54.7 51.8 2.9 31.1 36.4 5.3
2 2.0 2.0 54.5 51.2 3.3 31.3 34.6 3.3
3 2.0 2.5 54.6 51.1 3.5 32.0 34.9 2.9
4 2.0 3.0 54.6 51.0 3.6 33.1 35.6 2.5

20
Results
At a hot flow rate of 2 (L/ min) and a cold flow rate of 2.5 (L/ min), the Position vs Temperature
graphs of both concentric and shell and tube heat exchangers for different flow regimes are shown
in Figure 21,22,23,and 24.

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (Parallel Flow)

55
TH1
50
TH12
Temperature (oC)

45

40

35 Hot water temperature

TC2 Cold water temperature
30
TC1
25

20
1.00 2.00
Position

Figure 21 - STHE Temperature Vs. Position (Parallel flow)

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (Counter-current Flow)

55
TH1
50
TH12
Temperature (oC)

45

40

35 Hot water temperature

TC2
30 Cold water temperature
TC1
25

20
1.00 2.00
Position

Figure 22 - STHE Temperature Vs. Position (Counter-current flow)

21
 Concentric Heat Exchanger (Parallel Flow)
55
TH1
50
TH2
Temperature (oC)

45

40

35 Hot water temperature

TC2 Cold water temperature
30 T
C1

25

20
1.00 2.00
Position

Figure 23 - Concentric HE Temperature Vs. Position (Parallel flow)

Concentric Heat Exchanger (Counter-current Flow)

55
TH1
50
TH2
Temperature (oC)

45

40

35 Hot water temperature

TC2 Cold water temperature
30
TC1
25

20
1.00 2.00
Position

Figure 24 - Concentric HE Temperature Vs. Position (Counter-current flow)

22
Table 7: Hot and cold water density results for different flow connections of both heat exchangers

Hot water Cold Water

TH average TC average
Test density ρH density ρC
( oC) ( oC)
(kg/L) (kg/L)

Shell and tube ( parallel flow)

1 52.450 27.200 0.987 0.996
2 52.550 30.050 0.987 0.996
3 52.650 32.550 0.987 0.995
4 52.800 34.100 0.987 0.994
Shell and tube ( counter flow)
1 52.850 33.300 0.987 0.995
2 53.000 33.150 0.987 0.995
3 52.900 33.650 0.987 0.995
4 52.800 34.450 0.987 0.994
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 52.900 33.200 0.987 0.995
2 52.800 32.450 0.987 0.995
3 52.850 33.300 0.987 0.995
4 52.850 34.400 0.987 0.994
Concentric Tube ( counter flow)
1 53.250 33.750 0.987 0.994
2 52.850 32.950 0.987 0.995
3 52.850 33.450 0.987 0.995
4 52.800 34.350 0.987 0.995

23
Table 8: Hot and cold water specific heat results for different flow connections of both heat exchangers

Hot water Cold Water

Specific heat Specific heat
TH average TC average capacity capacity
Test
( oC) ( oC) CpH CpC
(kJ/kg.K) (kJ/ kg.K)

Shell and tube ( parallel flow)

1 52.450 27.200 4.182 4.179
2 52.550 30.050 4.182 4.178
3 52.650 32.550 4.182 4.178
4 52.800 34.100 4.182 4.178
Shell and tube ( counter flow)
1 52.850 33.300 4.182 4.178
2 53.000 33.150 4.182 4.178
3 52.900 33.650 4.182 4.178
4 52.800 34.450 4.182 4.178
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 52.900 33.200 4.182 4.178
2 52.800 32.450 4.182 4.178
3 52.850 33.300 4.182 4.178
4 52.850 34.400 4.182 4.178
Concentric Tube ( counter flow)
1 53.250 33.750 4.182 4.178
2 52.850 32.950 4.182 4.178
3 52.850 33.450 4.182 4.178
4 52.800 34.350 4.182 4.178

24
Table 9: Calculated heat emitted

Heat
Hot water
Hot water emitted by
Specific heat
density the hot
Hot Flow ∆TH capacity
Test ρH stream
(L/min) (oC) CpH
(kg/L) Qe
(kJ/kg.K)
(J/min)

Shell and tube ( parallel flow)

1 2.000 3.300 0.987 4.182 27.240
2 2.000 3.500 0.987 4.182 28.888
3 2.000 3.700 0.987 4.182 30.538
4 2.000 3.600 0.987 4.182 29.710
Shell and tube ( counter flow)
1 2.000 2.900 0.987 4.182 23.933
2 2.000 3.200 0.987 4.182 26.406
3 2.000 3.400 0.987 4.182 28.059
4 2.000 3.400 0.987 4.182 28.059
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 2.000 3.00 0.987 4.182 24.758
2 2.000 3.800 0.987 4.182 31.360
3 2.000 3.700 0.987 4.182 30.535
4 2.000 3.900 0.987 4.182 32.186
Concentric Tube ( counter flow)
1 2.000 2.900 0.987 4.182 24.758
2 2.000 3.300 0.987 4.182 31.360
3 2.000 3.500 0.987 4.182 30.535
4 2.000 3.600 0.987 4.182 32.186

25
Table 10: Calculated heat absorbed

Heat
Cold Water
Cold Water absorbed
Specific heat
density by the cold
Cold Flow ∆TC capacity
Test ρC stream
(L/min) (oC) CPc
(kg/L) Qa
(kJ/kg.K)
(J/min)
Shell and tube ( parallel flow)
1 1.000 9.400 0.996 4.179 39.141
2 2.000 3.900 0.996 4.178 32.445
3 2.500 3.300 0.995 4.178 34.289
4 3.000 2.600 0.994 4.178 32.403
Shell and tube ( counter flow)
1 1.000 5.000 0.995 4.178 20.777
2 2.000 4.100 0.995 4.178 34.075
3 2.500 2.900 0.995 4.178 30.124
4 3.000 2.300 0.994 4.178 28.661
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 1.000 5.600 0.995 4.178 23.271
2 2.000 3.900 0.995 4.178 32.422
3 2.500 3.000 0.995 4.178 31.166
4 3.000 2.600 0.994 4.178 32.399
Concentric Tube ( counter flow)
1 1.000 5.300 0.994 4.178 22.019
2 2.000 3.300 0.995 4.178 27.429
3 2.500 2.900 0.995 4.178 30.124
4 3.000 2.500 0.995 4.178 31.166

26
Table 11: Calculated mean temperature efficiency

Ttemperature Temperature
Mean
efficiency of efficiency of
Temperature
TH1 TH2 TC1 TC2 the hot the cold
Test efficiency
(oC) (oC) (oC) (oC) circuit circuit
ηH ηC
%
% %
Shell and tube ( parallel flow)
1 54.100 50.800 22.500 31.900 10.443 29.747 20.095
2 54.300 50.800 28.100 32.000 13.359 14.885 14.122
3 54.500 50.800 30.900 34.200 15.678 13.983 14.831
4 54.600 51.000 32.800 35.400 16.514 11.927 14.220
Shell and tube ( counter flow)
1 54.300 51.400 30.800 35.800 12.340 21.277 16.809
2 54.600 51.400 31.100 35.200 13.617 17.447 15.532
3 54.600 51.200 32.200 35.100 15.179 12.946 14.063
4 54.500 51.100 33.300 35.600 16.038 10.849 13.443
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 54.400 51.400 30.400 36.000 12.500 23.333 17.917
2 54.700 50.900 30.500 34.400 15.702 16.116 15.909
3 54.700 51.000 31.800 34.800 16.157 13.100 14.629
4 54.800 50.900 33.100 35.700 17.972 11.982 14.977
Concentric Tube (counter flow)
1 54.700 51.800 31.100 36.400 12.288 22.458 17.373
2 54.500 51.200 31.300 34.600 14.224 14.224 14.224
3 54.600 51.100 32.000 34.900 15.487 12.832 14.159
4 54.600 51.000 33.100 35.600 16.744 11.628 14.186

27
Table 12: Calculated coefficient of energy balance

Qe Qa Energy balance
Test
(J/min) (J/min) coefficient CEB

Shell and tube ( parallel flow)

1 27.240 39.141 1.437
2 28.888 32.445 1.123
3 30.538 34.289 1.123
4 29.710 32.403 1.091
Shell and tube ( counter flow)
1 23.933 20.777 0.868
2 26.406 34.075 1.290
3 28.059 30.124 1.074
4 28.059 28.661 1.021
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 24.758 23.271 0.940
2 31.360 32.422 1.034
3 30.535 31.166 1.021
4 32.186 32.399 1.007
Concentric Tube ( counter flow)
1 24.758 22.019 0.920
2 31.360 27.429 1.007
3 30.535 30.124 1.043
4 32.186 31.166 1.049

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

( Parallel Flow)
1.5
Energy Balance Coefficient

1.4
1.3
1.2
Energy Balance
1.1 Coefficient vs Cold
Flow rate
1
0.9
1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Cold Flow Rate (L/min)

Figure 25 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for STHE in parallel flow

28
 Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
( Counter Flow)
1.4
Energy Balance Coefficient

1.3
1.2
1.1
Energy Balance
1 coefficient vs Cold
0.9 Flow rate
0.8
1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Cold Flow ( L/min)

Figure 26 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for STHE in Counter-current flow

Concentric tube Heat Exchanger

( Parallel Flow)
Energy Balance Coefficient

1.2
1.1
1
Energy Balance
0.9 coefficient vs. Cold
Flow rate
0.8
1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Cold Flow (L/min)

Figure 27 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for concentric HE in parallel flow

29
 Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger
( Counter Flow)
1.06

Energy Balance Coefficient

1.01
Energy Balance
0.96
Coefficient vs. Cold
Flow rate
0.91
1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Cold Flow ( L/min)

Figure 28 - CEB Vs. Cold flow rate for concentric HE in counter-current flow

Table 13: Calculated overall heat transfer coefficient

Heat Over all heat

emitted by transfer
Test TH1 TH2 TC1 TC2 the hot LMTD coefficient
(oC) o
( C) o
( C) o
( C) stream (oC) U
Qe (J/min.m2.K)
(J/min)
Shell and tube (parallel flow)
1 54.100 50.800 22.500 31.900 27.240 24.700 55.142
2 54.300 50.800 28.100 32.000 28.888 22.300 64.771
3 54.500 50.800 30.900 34.200 30.538 19.900 76.729
4 54.600 51.000 32.800 35.400 29.710 18.500 80.297
Shell and tube (counter flow)
1 54.300 51.4 30.800 35.800 23.933 19.300 62.003
2 54.600 51.4 31.100 35.200 26.406 19.600 67.362
3 54.600 51.2 32.200 35.100 28.059 19.100 73.453
4 54.500 51.1 33.300 35.600 28.059 18.200 77.085
Concentric Tube ( parallel flow)
1 54.400 51.4 30.400 36.00 24.758 19.400 63.809
2 54.700 50.9 30.500 34.400 31.360 20.100 78.010
3 54.700 51.0 31.800 34.800 30.535 19.400 78.698
4 54.800 50.9 33.100 35.700 32.186 18.300 87.940
Concentric Tube (counter flow)
1 54.700 51.8 31.100 36.400 24.758 19.200 62.313
2 54.500 51.2 31.300 34.600 31.360 19.700 69.122
3 54.600 51.1 32.000 34.900 30.535 19.200 75.219
4 54.600 51.0 33.100 35.600 32.186 18.30 81.175

30
Sample Calculations

The sample calculations for Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger in Parallel Flow as shown for test 1
are given below. The initial data collected for this first run is as shown:
Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (Parallel Flow)
Test Hot Cold TH1 TH2 ∆TH TC1 TC2 ∆TC
o o o o o
Flow (L/ Flow ( ( C) ( C) ( C) ( C) ( C) (oC)
min) L/ min)
1 2.0 1.0 54.1 50.8 3.3 22.5 31.9 9.4

1. Water densities

The hot water and cold water densities can be found using two ways: either from Equation 5 or
from the water temperature vs density chart as shown in Appendix. In this experiment, the densities
of both the hot water and cold water were taken from the graph. To find the density of the hot and
cold water streams, the average temperatures of the hot and cold circuits were first calculated using
the equation Taverage = (T1 + T 2) / 2.
Then, the density of the hot and circuits, denoted by ρH and ρC respectively is found from the
graphs using this average temperature.

Thot average = TH1 + T H2 / 2 = (54.1 + 50.8) /2 = 52.45oC

Tcold average = TC1 + T C2 / 2 = (22.5+31.9) /2 = 27.2oC
Density of hot water stream, ρH at 52.45 oC = 0.9869 kg/L
Density of cold water stream, ρC at 27.2 oC = 0.9964 kg/L

2. Specific Heat capacities

The hot water and cold water specific heat capacities can be found using two ways: either from
Equation 4 or from the water temperature vs specific heat capacity chart shown in Appendix. In
this case, the specific heat capacities of both the hot water and cold water were taken from the
graph. To find the specific heat of the hot and cold water streams, the average temperatures of the
hot and cold circuits were first calculated. The specific capacities of the hot and circuits are denoted
by CpH and CpC respectively and is found from the graph using the corresponding average
temperature.

Specific heat capacity of hot water stream, CpH at 52.45oC = 4.182 kJ/kg.K
Specific heat capacity of cold water stream, Cpc at 27.2 oC = 4.179 kJ/kg.K

31
 3. Heat emitted and absorbed (Q𝑒) and (Q𝑎)

The heat emitted by hot water stream and absorbed by hot water stream is calculated using
the following formula:

The heat emitted by the hot stream, which is denoted by Qe was calculated using above equation.
In this case, only the values for the hot stream are considered.
Heat emitted:
 Hot water density = 0.9869 kg/L
 Hot Flow rate = 2 L/min
 Specific heat capacity = 4.182 kJ/kg.K
 ∆TH = 3.3 oC

Therefore, Qe = 0.9869* 2 * 4.182 * 3.3 = 27.24 J/min

The heat absorbed by the cold stream, which is denoted by Qa is calculated using the above
mentioned equation. In this case, only the values for the cold stream are considered.
Heat absorbed:
 Cold water density = 0.9964 kg/L
 Cold Flow rate = 1 L/min
 Specific heat capacity = 4.179 kJ/kg.K
 ∆Tc = 9.4oC

Therefore, Qa = 0.9964 * 1 * 4.179 * 9.4 = 39.14 J/min

4. Temperature efficiencies

The temperature efficiency of the hot circuit, cold circuit, and the mean temperature efficiency
of the two heat exchangers are calculated using the below shown equations.

Hot stream efficiency:

32
where
TH1 = 54.1 oC
TH2 = 50.8 oC
TC1 = 22.5 oC
Therefore,
54.1 − 50.8
Hot stream efficiency, 𝜂𝐻 = ×100 = 10.443%
54.1 − 22.5
Cold water stream efficiency

where
TC1 = 22.5 oC
TC2 = 31.9 oC
TH1 = 54.1 oC
Therefore,
31.9 − 22.5
Cold stream efficiency, C = ×100 = 29.75%
54.1 − 22.5

Mean temperature efficiency

The mean temperature efficiency Is the mean of the hot stream efficiency and cold stream
efficiency at the same hot and cold flow rate and is calculated using the below equation:

Therefore,
29.75 + 22.5
Mean efficiency, 𝜂 = = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟎𝟗𝟓%
2

5. Energy Balance coefficients

The energy balance coefficient for a run is calculated using the equation:

where Qa = 39.14 J/min and Qe = 27.24 J/min

39.14
Therefore, CEB = = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟑𝟕
27.24
Note: Energy balance coefficient should be equal to 1. The above value is a bit higher due to
experimental error.

33
 6. LMTD calculations

The logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD) is then calculated using the logarithmic
average of the temperature difference between the hot and cold circuits. This is done using the
below equation:

In this case,

TC1 = 22.5 oC
TC2 = 31.9 oC
TH1 = 54.1 oC
TH2 = 50.8 oC
Therefore,
( 50.8 − 31.9) – ( 54.1 − 22.5)
LMTD = 50.8 − 31.9 = 𝟐𝟒. 𝟕
𝑙𝑛(54.1 − 22.5)

7. Heat transfer coefficient

Lastly, the aim of the experiment is achieved by calculating the heat transfer coefficient, U for
each test run. It is calculated using the following equation:

Where area A for the experimental shell and tube heat exchanger = 0.02 m2
Qe = 27.24 J/min
LMTD = 24.7

27.24
Therefore, U = = 𝟓𝟓. 𝟏𝟒𝟐 W/ (m2K)
0.02×24.7

34
Discussion
In this experiment, two types of heat exchangers, shell and tube heat exchanger and concentric
tube heat exchanger, were used in two different flow directions, which are co-current flow and
counter-current flow. The aim is to understand how the flow rate affects the performance of the
heat exchangers in different flow directions in addition to determining the overall heat transfer
coefficient. Therefore, throughout the experiment, both heat exchangers are operated in co-current
flow and counter-current flow with a constant hot flow rate and a variable cold flow rate. Setting
one of the temperatures constant makes the effect of the flow rate easier to comprehend. The hot
flow rate is maintained at 2.0 (L/min) while the cold flow rate is set differently for four trials as
1.0 (L/min), 2.0 (L/min),2.5 (L/min), and 3.0 (L/min). each flow rate is kept for 4 minutes before
taking the reading giving time for the streams to exchange heat and reach thermal equilibrium. In
addition, due to availability and known properties, water is used in the experiment with the help
of TeQuipment TD360 Heat Exchanger service module.

The apparatus used, TD360, provides reading of temperature measured by K-type thermocouples
at the inlet and outlet of each hot and cold streams. Tables 3 and 4 show the temperature difference
for the shell and tube heat exchanger while Tables 5 and 6 include the difference in temperature
for the concentric tube heat exchanger. Before calculating anything, the effect of the flow rate can
be seen on the temperature difference. The hot water with constant flow rate for the four trials have
almost the same temperature difference between the input and output; while, as the cold-water
flow rate increase between trials the temperature difference decreases. This finding can be
explained by the fact that the lower flow rate has the time to transfer more heat than that of the
higher flow rate. The retention time for the water inside is higher with a lower flow rate.

To calculate the heat absorbed or emitted, the density and the specific heat are needed. The average
temperature of the inlet and outlet is calculated to find the density and specific heat at that
temperature as seen in Tables 7 and 8. The values were found from the water temperature versus
density and water temperature versus specific heat graphs available in the appendix. Furthermore,
the heat emitted (Qe) and the heat absorbed (Qa) are found in Tables 9 and 10 respectively. As the
cold flowrate increases, the heat transferred increases. The increase in the cold water flow rate
results in a decrease in the temperature difference of the cold water; however, the final calculated
heat transferred increases. In addition, from the found values in Table 9 the heat emitted in co-
current flow is larger than that of the counter flow for both heat exchangers. Of course,
consequently, the heat absorbed in the co-current direction is also greater than the counter-current
direction. The expected was that heat transfer would be greater in counter-current flow. This
contradiction with the theory can be a result of errors occurring in the experiment or heat losses,
which will be discussed later. In addition, the heat emitted from the hot stream and the heat gained
by the cold stream are not the same in any of the trials. Comparing the values, the heat gained is
greater than the emitted in all trials, which is explained by the heat transferred from the

35
surroundings to the cold stream. In addition, errors in recording the temperatures might have
affected the results.
To understand more the relationship between energy absorbed and energy emitted, the coefficient
of energy balance (CEB) is calculated for each trial. As the coefficient represents the ratio of the
absorbed heat to the emitted heat, the theoretical value is 1, where all emitted heat by the hot water
is gained by the cold water. Experimentally, the farthest from 1 was found as 1.44 in the shell and
tube heat exchanger operating in parallel flow with the least cold flow rate, 1 (L/min). In this trial,
a large amount of heat was gained by the cold-water stream from the surroundings, which shows
clearly in CEB. On the other hand, the closest to 1 was found as 1.01 in the concentric tube heat
exchanger, at a cold flow rate of 3 (L/min) in parallel and 2 (L/min) in counter directions. In these
two trials, the energy emitted and the energy absorbed are almost the same meaning the least
amount of error occurred. Figure 25 shows how CEB decreases with the increase of the cold flow
rate in the parallel-flow shell and tube heat exchanger. It starts with 1.44 the highest CEB value
found and reached as close as 1.09. Figure 26, shows the fluctuation in CEB with the increase of
the cold flow rate in counter flow shell and tube heat exchanger. It increases reaching a high point,
1.29, on the curve and then back to the closer-to-1 value, 1.02. For a concentric tube heat exchanger
in parallel, CEB increases with the increase of the cold flow rate reaching the closest value of 1.01
as shown in Figure 27. In addition, Figure 28 represents the proportional relationship between CEB
and the cold flow rate found in the concentric tube heat exchanger in counter flow. The curve in
this case does not stop at 1 or come back to value close to it, yet it already passes the closest value
of 1.01 at the cold flow rate of 2 (L/min). It was noticed that, at this point, the flow rate of hot and
cold streams are equal. From those graphs, it is easier to locate the heat exchanger with the least
heat gain error occurring in addition to the conditions best suited for each heat exchanger.

Moreover, from the found temperatures, the mean temperature efficiency was found for each trial
as shown in Table 11. Since the increase in the flow rate decreases the heat transfer, the mean
temperature efficiency decreases as well with the increase in the flow. Comparing heat exchangers,
the highest mean temperature efficiency of the shell and tube heat exchanger is recorded as 20.10;
while, the highest for the concentric heat exchanger was found as 17.92. Both values were at the
lowest cold flow rate of 1 (L/min) in parallel flow.

Additionally, to study the temperature change with position, one point is considered from the table
which is the third trial with a cold flow rate of 2.5 (L/min). Figure 21 shows the temperature change
of the hot and cold streams with position referring to the inlet and outlet for the parallel shell and
tube. As the hot stream temperature decreases the cold stream’s increases. The linear lines are
getting closer to one another at the outlets. Also, for shell and tube in counter current flow, the
lines of temperature change through the heat exchanger are parallel as the they flow in opposite
directions as shown in Figure 22. The same relationship can be seen in the concentric heat
exchanger as represented in Figures 23 and 24.

36
Furthermore, in order to calculate the overall heat transfer coefficient (U), the logarithmic mean
temperature difference (LMTD) was calculated for each trial as shown in Table 13. In this case the
logarithmic mean temperature difference is used rather than normal temperature difference to get
more accurate results. From Table 13, the overall heat transfer coefficient increases with the
increase in the cold flow rate for both heat exchangers and for both flow directions. The co-current
flow direction has a higher coefficient than the counter flow direction which is expected from the
results found previously. The concentric tube heat exchanger has the highest overall coefficient
𝐽
with a value of 87.94 (𝑚𝑖𝑛∗𝑚∗𝐾) at the highest cold flow rate of 3 (L/min) in parallel flow. While,
𝐽
the higher value for the shell and tube was 80.30 94 (𝑚𝑖𝑛∗𝑚∗𝐾) at the highest cold flow rate of 3
(L/min) in parallel flow. The lowest coefficient was found from the shell and tube in parallel flow
at the lowest cold flow rate of 1 (L/min) as 55.14. The coefficient shows how good is the heat
exchanger and in this case, the concentric heat exchanger comes first.

As any other experiment, the theoretical expectations are affected by the errors occurring
throughout the experiment. The heat emitted and heat absorbed are equal theoretically; however,
experimentally, the heat absorbed is greater than the heat emitted. Such errors occur due to a
number of errors including the following:
 The heat losses and gains from/to the surroundings;
 The stream friction causing heat loss;
 Recording the values manually might have resulted in an error;
 The controls of the flow rate for the cold stream were hardly maintained at a specific rate
which might have resulted in the highest error;
 Water leakage from the connection input and output points might have affected the flow
rates;
 The pipes used were not isolated, which increased the heat gains/losses;
 The instrumental error of the equipment used;
 The fouling which might have been present in the heater.

Conclusion
Concluding, from the experiment, the effect of the flow rate on the performance of the heat
exchanger in different flow direction was studied in addition to calculating the overall heat transfer
coefficient. The results found included that the increase in the flow rate decreases the cold
temperature difference, increases in the hot temperature difference, and increases the heat
transferred and the overall heat coefficient. In addition, the closest coefficient of energy balance
to 1 as 1.01, which is found by the concentric tube heat exchanger at a cold flow rate of 3 (L/min)
in parallel and 2 (L/min) in counter directions. Moreover, the shell and tube heat exchanger had a
higher mean temperature efficiency than the concentric tube heat exchanger, 20.10 for 17.92
respectively. Also, the concentric tube heat exchanger had higher overall heat transfer coefficient
𝐽 𝐽
than the shell and tube, which is 87.94 (𝑚𝑖𝑛∗𝑚∗𝐾) compared to 80.30 (𝑚𝑖𝑛∗𝑚∗𝐾). The found results

37
included errors that affected the accuracy of our findings. The errors include fluctuating flow rate
due to knobs controls used, heat losses and gains from/to the surroundings, manual recording of
the values, and others discussed before. Furthermore, suggestions to improve the experiment
include setting the flowrate using a software rather than with the knobs, using the software to
record the data as it reaches equilibrium, repeating the experiment for a larger range of flow rates,
and isolating the heat exchangers to avoid any heat losses or gains.

38
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