1.0.

Introduction

The heat exchanger is a device in which as the name refers, exchange of heat occurs

between two fluids (gases or liquids) that come in and leave at varied temperature levels. The

core objective of the equipment in an industrial set-up is to achieve a suitable temperature of

a fluid by adding or removing heat from it. Inside the heat exchanger, there are three possible

fluid motion: parallel, counter and cross-flow. In parallel (co-current) flow, the two fluids;

both the cold and the hot fluids move flow at like direction – they get in and leave the

equipment on the like ends. In counter configuartion, the two fluids flow in counter

directions, that is, the fluids enter and leave the exchange at opposite ends. In this

experiment, two kinds of heat exchangers are employed that involve shell and tube as well as

plate heat exchanger.

Co-current flow occurs when the two fluids enter the exchanger at their extreme

temperature difference. Over the length of the exchanger, this temperature difference

becomes lesser and lesser. On the other hand, in the in the counter flow configuration, both

the two fluids enters the exchanger at opposite ends and at the same time different ends of the

temperature scale. As both fluids flow through this aperture, the become heated ad cooled at

almost an equal rate. Apparently, the differential of the temperature that is between the hot

fluid and the cold fluid is relatively fixed over the entire length of the device.
 Figure 1. Parallel flow

Figure 2. Counter flow

The process of heat exchange that occurs in an ideal equipement equipment is

summarized as shown in the proceding equations.

Qh  mh c ph Th
Qc  mc c pc Tc
F ( LMTD)
Q  F (UA)( LMTD)
RT

Where F represents correction factor, LMTD represents Log Mean Temperature

Difference, and Q is heat quantity transferred between the cold fluid and the hot fluid.

Overall resistance of the process can be presented as:

RT  Rhf  Rw  Rcf

1
Rhf 
A1hh

ln  2 
D
 D1 
Rw  
2 Lk w
1
Rcf 
A2 hc
 In the above equations, hc and hh can be determined using the correct Nusselt constant

for both the hot fluid and the cold fluid. For instance

For the hot fluid

hh  Nuh  h 
K
 Dh 
Nuh  0.023Re0.8
h Prh
0.3

For the cold fluid

hc  Nuc  c 
K
 Dc 
Nuc  0.36 Rec0.55 Prc0.33

The LMTD of the process can be presented by an equation where a and b represents

the device. LMTD is employed as the heat must pass through four resistance stages.

Tm 
 Ta  Tb 
Ta
ln  
 Tb 

The efficiency of the device is presented as the proportion of the existing rate of heat

transfer of a specific heat exchanger to the extreme rate of heat transfer of the unit.

  QQ
max

Qmax  Cmin Tht  Tct 

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the working of two heat

exchangers. In this lab report computation on the heat exchange as well as heat loss are

carried out to study the energy balance. The heat transfer coefficient and the LMTD are also

calculated for this type of experiment. In this experiment, it is realize that the counter flow
configuration of fluids in the shell and the tube heat exchanger has more efficiency compared

to the parallel flow configuration.

2.0.Materials and methods

2.1. Materials

In this experiment a plate heat exchanger as well as a shell and tube heat exchangers were

used. The shell and tube heat exchanger used was compact and could do the work at high

temperatures. The device has a large tube (shell) surround numerous smaller tubes known as

the bundle. One fluid circuit passes through this bundle while the other passes through the

shell.
Figure 3. The Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

The plate heat exchanger is compact and also effective. This makes it excellent for

use with squeezed space. The devices involves a layer of plates that are separated by spacers

(gaskets). The spacers and plates have openings where the hot fluids and the cold fluids pass

alternatively through these plates. Although the arrangements are entirely separated, heat

exchanges through these metal plates.

Figure 4. Plate Heat Exchanger

2.2.Methods

2.2.1. shell and tube heat exchanger

A proper inspection was required to ensure that the setup was in the right working

state. These valves were inspected to be at first closed before this experiment. The hot fluid

reservoir was then filled up through a fluid pipe. After the tank was full, the valves were then
closed. Thereafter, the cold fluid tank was then filled up by letting the valve and a drain hose

was then linked to the cold fluid drain point. A water temperature controller was stationed at

a set point. The temperature of fluid in the hot fluid tank was regulated to attain this set point

temperature.

Counter-current

This configuration of this valve of the shell as well as the tube exchanger was

switched to counter-current before this experiment started. The valves were adjusted in order

to attain the required flow rates for both the cold and the hot fluid streams respectively. After

ten minutes, the equipment was enabled to reach a settled state, thereby, data was taken. The

steps were repeated for various combinations of flow rates.

Co-current

This configuration of this valve of the shell as well as the tube exchanger was

switched to co-current before this experiment started. The valves were adjusted in order to

attain the required flow rates for both the cold and the hot fluid streams respectively. After

ten minutes, the equipment was enabled to reach a settled state, thereby, data was taken. The

steps were repeated for various combinations of flow rates.

2.2.2. plate heat exchanger

Constant flow of fluids was allowed into the aperture and the temperature variation

between the cold and hot fluids measured. The pump was set at the maximum capacity flow

rate and the temperature variation between the outlet and inlet of the hot fluid measured.
3. Results

3.1 Plate Heat Exchanger

Room Temperature: 26 ⁰C

Heater Reservoir Temperature: 60.7 ⁰C

Table 1, Plate Heat Exchanger (concurrent)

Hot Cold

Water Water Temp Avg Avg

# TH1 TH2 TC1 TC2 ΔTC
Flow Rate Flow Rate diff TH TC

(L/minute) (L/minute)

1 3 3 59.3 54.6 4.7 56.95 12.8 18.0 5.2 15.4

2 3 0.5 59.4 57.0 2.7 58.2 13.0 29.9 16.9 21.45

Table 2, Plate Heat Exchanger (counter flow).

Hot Cold

Water Water Temp Avg Avg

# TH1 TH2 TC1 TC2 ΔTC
Flow Rate Flow Rate diff TH TC

(L/minute) (L/minute)

1 3 3 59.6 58.2 1.4 58.7 17.8 20.2 2.4 19.0

2 3 0.5 60.3 59.5 0.8 59.9 17.8 25.2 7.4 21.5

Where,

ΔTH = TH1 - TH2 Eqn (1)

ΔTC = TC2 – TC1 Eqn (2)

Avg TH

Eqn (3)

AvgTC

Eqn (4)

Plate Heat Exchanger

Charts and graphs

3.1.2A Charts of temperatures of test

(Parallel Flow)

Fig. 5, concurrent flow for 3 Liter/minute

Fig. 2, concurrent flow for 3 Liter/minute

Temp of test (Counter-configuration)

Fig. 4, counter flow for 0.5 Liter/minute

Fig. 3. counter flow for 3 Liter/minute

3.1.3 Converting flow rates from Liter/minute to cubic meters per second

1 Liter/minute = 0.00001667 m3 /s

Thus,

3 Liter/minute = 0.00005001 m3 /s

0.5 Liter/minute = 0.000008335 m3 /s

Calculating the density of water

Fig 5. The water density chart

Using the equation

Eqn (5)

Calculating the specific heat capacity of water

Fig 6. Water Specific Heat Capacity

Also, water density can be calculated using the following equation.

Eqn (6)

Table 3. Water density and the specific heat capacity for concurrent flow plate heat

exchanger

Parallel Flow

For Exchanger
Hot fluid Cold fluid
(Plate Heat

exchanger)

Hot and Hot Flow Rate = Hot and Hot Flow Rate

Cold Flow 3 L/min Cold Flow = 3 L/min

Rates = 3 Cold Flow Rate Rates = 3 Cold Flow Rate

L/min = 0.5 L/min L/min = 0.5 L/min

Avg Temperature
58.9 53.8 12.7 18.1
(⁰C)

Density
9.8354x102 9.82949 x102 9.981 x102 9.97964 x102
(Kg/m3 )

C 4.181336
4.184 x103 4.1843 x103 4.18099 x103
( j.kg-1 . k-1 ) x103
 Table 4, Water density and the specific heat capacity for concurrent flow plate heat

exchanger

Parallel Flow

For Exchanger
Hot fluid Cold fluid
(Plate Heat

exchanger)

Hot and Hot Flow Rate = Hot and Hot Flow Rate

Cold Flow 3 L/min Cold Flow = 3 L/min

Rates = 3 Cold Flow Rate Rates = 3 Cold Flow Rate

L/min = 0.5 L/min L/min = 0.5 L/min

Avg Temperature
59.9 57.2 13 29.9
(⁰C)

Density
9.8354x102 9.82949 x102 9.981 x102 9.97964 x102
(Kg/m3 )

C 4.181336
4.184 x103 4.1843 x103 4.18099 x103
( j.kg-1 . k-1 ) x103

The Mean Temperature Effectiveness, Coefficient of Heat Transfer & Log Mean Temp

Difference

Mean Temperature Effectiveness

Eqn (7)
Temperature efficiency of the hot circuit is given as:

Eqn (8)

Whereas the temperature efficiency of the cold circuit is given as:

Eqn (9)

For concurrent flow, hot water and cold water = 3 Liter/minute

59.3−54.6
ηH = X 100 = 10.11 %
59.3−12.8

18.0−12 .8
ηC = 59.3−12.8 X 100 = 11.18 %

10 .11+11.18
η̄ = = 10.65%
2

For concurrent flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

59.6−58.2
ηH = 59.6−17.8 X 100 = 3.35%

20.2−17 .8
ηC = 59.6−17.8 X 100 = 5.74 %

3.35+5.74
η̄ = 2
= 4.55%

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

59.6−58.3
ηH = 59.6−17.8 X 100 = 3.11 %
 20.2−17 .8
ηC = 59.6−17.8 X 100 = 5.74 %

3.11+5.74
η̄ = = 4.43 %
2

For Counter flow, hot = 3 L/min and cold water = 0.5 L/min

60.3−59.5
ηH = 60.3−17.8 X 100 = 1.88 %

25.2−17 .8
ηC = 60.3−17 .8 X 100 = 17.41 %

1.88+17.41
η̄ = = 9.65 %
2

LMTD

Eqn (10)

Hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute LMTD =

( 54.5−18.0) −(59.3−12.8)
( 54.5−18 .0) = 41.30 ⁰C
ln⁡( )
(59.3−12 .8)

For concurrent flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

( 59.3−20.2) −(59.6−17.8)
LMTD = (59.3−20.2) = 40.43 ⁰C
ln ⁡( )
(59.6−17.8)

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute
 ( 59.6−20.2) −(59.6−17.8)
LMTD = (59.6−20.2) = 40.59 ⁰C
ln ⁡( )
(59.6−17.8)

For Counter flow, hot = 3 L/min and cold water = 0.5 L/min

( 59.5−25.2) −(60.3−17.8)
LMTD = (59.5−25.2) = 38.25 ⁰C
ln ⁡( )
(60.3−17.8)

Coefficient of the Heat Transfer (U)

Eqn (11)

Where,

Qe  mH X c p H XΔT Eqn (12)

Q҅e = 0.00005001  983.540  4183.631  4.7  967.171 Watt

Heat Transfer Coefficient (U)

967.171
U= = 1170.91 W.m-2 . k-1
0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡41.30⁡

For concurrent flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

The rate of Heat transfer

Qe  0.00005001  982.949  4184.3  4.7  966.72 Watt

966.72
U= = 1206.59 W.m-2 . k-1
0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡40.43

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water

The rate of Heat transfer

Qe  0.00005001 X 983.744 X 4183.631 X 1.4  287.96 Watt

287.96
U = 0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡40.59 = 354.72 W.m-2 . k-1

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

The rate of Heat transfer

Qe  0.00005001 X 983.181 X 4184.108 X 0.8  164.58 Watt

164.58
U= = 215.10 W.m-2 . k-1
0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡38.25
Table 5. Mean temperature efficiency, the LMTD, and coefficient of heat transfer

Parallel Flow Counter Flow

Hot and Hot Flow Rate = Hot and Hot Flow Rate

Cold Flow 3 L/min Cold Flow = 3 L/min

Rates = 3 Cold Flow Rate Rates = 3 Cold Flow Rate

L/min = 0.5 L/min L/min = 0.5 L/min

Mean Temperature 10.65 4.55 4.43 9.65

effectiveness (%)

1170.91 1206.59 354.72

U (W.m-2 . k-1) 215.10

LMTD (⁰C) 41.30 40.43 40.59 38.25

The Shell and the Tube Heat Exchanger

Room Temperature: 26.0 ⁰C

The Heater Reservoir Temperature: 60.2 ⁰C

Table of temperatures of test (concurrent Flow)

Table 6. Shell and the Tube Heat Exchanger (concurrent flow).

Hot Cold

Water Water Temp Avg Avg

# TH1 TH2 TC1 TC2 ΔTC
Flow Rate Flow Rate diff TH TC
(L/minute) (L/minute)

1 3 3 60.1 57.3 2.8 58.7 13.0 15.9 2.9 14.45

2 3 0.5 59.9 58.6 1.3 59.25 13.3 21.7 8.4 17.5

3.2.1B Temperatures of test (Opposite Flow)

Table 7, Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (counter flow).

Hot Cold

Water Water Temp Avg Avg

# TH1 TH2 TC1 TC2 ΔTC
Flow Rate Flow Rate diff TH TC

(L/minute) (L/minute)

1 3 3 60.1 57.4 2.7 58.75 13.0 16.2 3.2 14.6

2 3 0.5 60.0 58.5 1.5 59.25 13.4 22.7 9.3 18.05

Where,

ΔTH = TH1 - TH2 Eqn (1)

ΔTC = TC2 – TC1 Eqn (2)

Avg TH

Eqn (3)

Average TC

Eqn (4)

3.2.2 Charts and Graphs for Plate Heat Exchanger

(Parallel Flow)

Figure 8, Parallel flow for 0.5 L/min

Figure 7, parallel flow for 3 L/min

3.1.2B Charts of temperature of test

(Counter-Flow)

Figure 9, counter flow for 3 L/min

Figure 10, counter flow for 0.5 L/min

3.2.4 Water density and the specific heat capacity for concurrent for the shell and the tube

exchanger

Table. 8. Water density and the specific heat capacity for concurrent for the shell and the tube

exchanger

Parallel Flow

For the Shell and

Hot fluid Cold fluid
the Tube

Exchanger

Hot Flow Rate = Hot Flow Rate

Hot and Hot and
3 Liter/minute =3Liter/minute
Cold Flow Cold Flow
Cold Flow Rate Cold Flow Rate
Rates = 3 Rates = 3
= 0.5 = 0.5
Liter/minute Liter/minute
Liter/minute Liter/minute

58.79 59.25 14.45 17.5

Avg Temp (⁰C)

Density
9.8354x102 9.82949 x102 9.981 x102 9.97964 x102
(Kg/m3 )

C 4.181336
4.184 x103 4.1843 x103 4.18099 x103
( j.kg-1 . k-1 ) x103
Table 9. Water density and the specific heat capacity for counter for the shell and the tube

exchanger

Counter Flow

For the Shell and

Hot fluid Cold fluid
the Tube

Exchanger

Hot Flow Rate =

Hot and
3 Liter/minute Hot and Cold
Cold Flow
Cold Flow Rate Flow Rates = 3
Rates = 3
= 0.5 Liter/minute
Liter/minute
Liter/minute

Avg Temperature 58.75 59.25 14.6 18.05

(⁰C)

Density
9.8354x102 9.82949 x102 9.981 x102 9.97964 x102
(Kg/m3 )

C 4.181336
4.184 x103 4.1843 x103 4.18099 x103
( j.kg-1 . k-1 ) x103

Table 9, water density & specific heat capacity for counter flow shell & tube heat exchanger
The Mean Temperature Effectiveness, Coefficient of Heat Transfer & Log Mean Temp

Difference

Mean Temperature Effectiveness

For concurrent flow, hot water and cold water = 3 Liter/minute

60.1−57.3
ηH = 60.1−13.0 X 100 = 5.94%

15.9−13.0
ηC = 60.1−13 .0 X 100 = 6.16 %

5.94+6.16
η̄ = = 6.05%
2

For concurrent flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

60.1−58.6
ηH = X 100 = 3.2 %
60.1−13.3

21.7−13 .3
ηC = 60.1−13 .3 X 100 = 17.95 %

3.2+17.95
η̄ = = 10.58 %
2

For Counter flow, hot and cold water = 3 L/min

60.1−57.4
ηH = 60.1−13.0 X 100 = 5.73 %

16.2−13 .0
ηC = 60.1−13 .0 X 100 = 6.79 %

5.73+6.79
η̄ = = 6.26%
2

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute
60.0−58.5
ηH = 60.0−13.4 X 100 = 3.2 %
 22.7−13 .4
ηC = 60.0−13 .4 X 100 = 19.96%

3.2+19.96
η̄ = = 11.58%
2

LMTD

Eqn (10)

For concurrent flow, hot water and cold water = 3 Liter/minute

( 57.3−15.9) −(60.1−13.0)
(57.3−15 .9) = 44.33 ⁰C
ln⁡( )
(60.1−13 .0)

For concurrent flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

( 58.6−21.7) −(59.9−13.3)
(58.6−21.7) = 41.56 ⁰C
ln⁡( )
(59.9−13.3)

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 3 Liter/minute
( 57.4−16.2) −(60.1−13.0)
(57.4−16.2) = 44.08 ⁰C
ln⁡( )
(60.1−13.0)

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute
( 58.5−22.7) −(60.0−13.4)
(58.5−22.7) = 40.96 ⁰C
ln⁡( )
(60.0−13.4)

Coefficient of Heat Transfer (U)

Eqn (11)

Where

Qe  mH X cp H XΔTH Eqn (12)

A = 0.02 m2 for all heat exchangers

For concurrent flow, hot fluid and cold fluid = 3 Liter/minute

Rate of Heat transfer

Qe  mH X cp H XΔTH

Qe  0.00005001  984.273  4183.192  2.8  576.55 Watt

Heat Transfer Coefficient (U)

576.55
U = 0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡44.33 = 650.29 W.m-2 . k-1
For concurrent flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute

The rate of Heat transfer

Qe  0.00005001  983.54  4184.802  1.3  267.59 Watt

Heat Transfer Coefficient (U)

267 .59
U = 0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡41.56 = 321.93 W.m-2 . k-1

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 3 Liter/minute
Rate of Heat transfer

Qe  0.00005001  984.474  4183.029  2.7  556.05 Watt

Heat Transfer Coefficient (U)

556.05
U = 0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡44.08 = 630.73 W.m-2 . k-1

For opposite flow, hot water= 3 Liter/minute and cold water = 0.5 Liter/minute
The rate of heat transfer

Qe  0.00005001  983.794  4183.588  1.5  308.75 Watt

Heat Transfer Coefficient (U)

308.75
U= = 376.89 W.m-2 . k-1
0.02 ⁡𝑋⁡40.96
Table 10, Mean temperature efficiency, the LMTD, and coefficient of heat transfer

Parallel Flow Counter Flow

Hot Flow Rate = Hot Flow Rate =

Hot and Cold Hot and Cold
3 L/min 3 L/min
Flow Rates = 3 Flow Rates = 3
Cold Flow Rate = Cold Flow Rate
Liter/min Liter/min
0.5 Liter/min = 0.5 Liter/min

Mean

Temperature 6.05 10.58 11.58

6.26
effectiveness

(%)

U (W.m-2 . k- 650.29 321.93 630.73 376.89

1)

44.33 41.56 44.08 40.96

LMTD (⁰C)
Discussion

From these data, the general features of a concurrent configuration and counter

configuration heat exchangers are noticeable. The results of this lab experiment reveal that the

effectiveness of the exchanger device is associated with flow rate of the cold fluid. This can be

seen by the decrease of the thermal resistance when the cold fluid is introduced to the flow. In

both the plate exchanger and tube and shell exchanger, the data collected for heat exchange did

not vary greatly. Also, there was no observable advantage of using eth parallel flow versus

counter current in the data.

Conclusion

The data that was presented in this report revealed that the working of this heat exchanger

increased linearly with the increase flow rate of the cold fluid. Therefore, this is observed

following logically as additional cold fluid is turned in to take away the heat. Also, the improved

rate of flow results in a rather disruptive flow, thereby improving the rate of heat transfer. In

reverse to the theory of heat exchangers, nevertheless, there’s no observable variation of the heat

exchange between the concurrent flow and the opposite flow. In this case, the opposite current

flow must have shown an improved ability of heat transfer.

References

Kakaç, S., & Ishii, M. (1983). Advances in Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer: Fundamentals

and Applications Volume II. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Kirklin, P. W. (1992). Aviation fuel: Thermal stability requirements ; [papers presented at the

symposium held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on 26 June 1991]. Philadelphia, Pa.