Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Experiment No. 1

Title: To Determine the Thermal Conductivity of Composite Wall

Objective:
1. To determine total thermal resistance and thermal conductivity of composite wall.
2. To plot temperature gradient along composite wall structure.

Description:
The apparatus is mounted on a table. It consists of a central heater sandwiched between two
sheets. Three types of slabs are provided on both sides of heater which forms a composite
structure. A small hand press frame is provided to ensure the perfect contact between the slabs. A
Dimmerstat is provided for varying the input to the heater and measurement of input is carried
out by a voltmeter, ammeter. Thermocouples are embedded between interface of the slabs to read
the temperature at the surface.

Specifications:
1. Slab assembly arranged symmetrically on both sides of heater.
Formation of Slab assembly:
a. M.S.. Plate – Size 20 mm thick x 200 mm dia. ... 2 No.

b. Backelite Plate – Size 12 mm thick x 200 mm dia. ... 2 No.

c. Press wood - Size 12 mm thick x 200 mm dia. ... 2 No.

Enclosure Size : 58cm x 35cm x 35cm with acrylic cover in front.

2. Heater : -

Nichrome heater wound on mica former and insulated having Capacity 300 watt maximum,
200mm Ø, 200 Volts.
3. Heater Control Unit: Dimmerstat, 0-2A , Single phase, Open type.

4. Voltmeter – Digital, range 0 to 200 V AC.

5. Ammeter – Digital, range 0 to 2 A AC.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 1

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
6. Temperature Indicator ( digital type) 0 – 200 C, 0.10C LC with selector switch.
0

7. Table & Stand made up of MS square hollow pipe and Angle. Both side Laminated boards
are fixed on the top and front side of the table.

Service Required:
A.C. Single Phase, 230 V earthed stabilized electric supply.

Procedure:
1. Arrange the plates in proper fashion (symmetrically) on both sides of the heater plates. (
Already assembled ).
2. See that the plates are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the heater plates.
3. Operate the hand press properly to ensure perfect contact between the plates.
4. Close the box by Acrylic cover to achieve steady environmental conditions.
5. Start the supply of heater. By varying the Dimmerstat, adjust the input at desired value.

6. Take readings of all the thermocouples at an interval of 10 minutes until fairly steady
temperatures are achieved and rate of rise is negligible.
7. Note down the readings in observation table.

Observations:
COMPOSITE SLABS
1. Wall Thickness
a) Mild Steel = 20 mm
b)Bakelite = 12 mm

c) Press Wood = 12 mm
2. Slab Diameter = 200 mm

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 2

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Sr. No. SET I SET II SET III

1. Voltmeter V
2. Ammeter I
Heat supplied
Q=VxI
Thermocouple
Readings 0C
T1
T2
T3
T4
T5
T6
T7
T8

Mean Reading:

(T1 + T2)
TA =
2

(T3 + T4)
TB =
2

(T5 + T6)
TC =
2

(T7 + T8)
TD =
2

Calculations:
Rate of Heat Supplied Q = V x I / 2 = … W. For calculating the thermal conductivity of composite
walls, it is assumed that due to large diameter of the plates heat flowing through central portion is
uni-directional i.e. axial flow. Thus for calculations central half dia. Area where unidirectional flow
is assumed is considered. Accordingly, thermocouples are fixed at a close to centre of the plates.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 3

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Now q = Heat flux = W/m2

Where A= 𝐷 m2 Where d = dia. of plates.

1. Total thermal resistance of composite slab:

R total =
2. Thermal conductivity of composite slab:
q×b
KComposite = A×(TA − TD)

b = Total thickness of composite slab = 20 + 12 + 12= 44 mm

3. To plot thickness of slab material against temperature gradient.

Precautions:
1) Keep Dimmerstat to zero before starting the experiment.
2) Increase the heat input slowly. Do not exceed heat input beyond 120 watts.
3) Keep all the assembly undisturbed.
4) Remove air gap between plates by moving hand clamp gently, if disassembled for
changing any specimen.
5) While removing the plates do not disturb the thermocouples from its position, if you are
going to change the specimen.
6) Operate selector switch of temperature indicator gently.

Result:

Conclusion:

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 4

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
Experiment No. 2

Title: Measurement of Thermal Conductivity of a Metal (Copper) Bar

Objective:
 To Determine Thermal Conductivity of a Metal rod

Introduction:
Thermal conductivity is an important thermo physical property of conducting materials, by the
virtue of which the material conducts the heat energy through it. Symbol k is used for denoting the
thermal conductivity. It provided an indication of the rate at which energy is transferred by
diffusion process. It depends on the physical structure of matter, atomic and molecular, which is
related to the state of matter. The minus sign is consequence of the fact that heat is transferred in
the direction of decreasing temperature. From Fourier’s law of heat conduction, thermal
conductivity is defined as:
Q dT
k=
A dx

𝑑𝑇
𝑘=q
𝑑𝑥
Where:
Q= heat transfer rate, W
q= heat flux, W/m2
A= area normal to heat transfer, m2
dT = temperature gradient in the direction of heat flow

Description:
The apparatus is mounted on a table. It consists of a copper pipe. The band type heaters are used
and mounted on the heating sections of the pipe. The surface temperatures along the lengths of
pipe are measured by thermocouples. Dimmerstat is provided for the variation in the heat input to
test pipe.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 5

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
Procedure:
1. Start the supply.
2. Give known steady input to the heaters with the help of a dimmerstat.
3. Check the input to the heater with help of voltmeter and ammeter.
4. Allow an initial heating period of about 45 minutes for steady state.
5. Measure the end point temperature of the pipe with help of selector switch and temperature panel.

Limits and Precautions:

1. Operate gently the selector switch of the temperature indicator from 1 to 16.
2. Stir the water with the stirrer before taking readings with thermometer.
3. Do not exceed 140 watts.
4. Do not disturb valve position of the heat pipe otherwise readings will not be satisfactory, the
vacuum may break.

Experimental setup:

Specifications:
1. O.D. of copper pipe : 32 mm Dia.
2. Length of the pipes. : 400 mm.
3. Dimmerstat : 4 Amps.
4. Ammeter Selector Switch : Standard.
5. Heater : Band Heater

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 6

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
o
6. Temperature Indicator : 0-300 C. 18 channel with cold junction compensation.
7. Thermocouples. : Chromel – Alumel.
8. Digital Voltmeter : 0 – 200 volts.
9. Digital Ammeter. : 0 – 5 Amp.

Observation Table:

Temperature of the end point of metal bar Heat input to heater

T1 T2 Voltage Current

Calculation:
 Heat input (V× 𝐼)
 Calculate cross sectional area of pipe
 Length of pipe
 Temperature difference

By using Fourier's law of heat transfer thermal conductivity can be calculated:

𝑑𝑇
𝑘=Q
𝑑𝑥

Result: The thermal conductivity of the copper bar ______________W/mK

Conclusions:

1. Compare the value of thermal conductivity obtained by experimentation with a standard value.
State the reason for any deviation.
2. From the experiment, it is concluded that the temperature goes on decreasing along the length
of the rod.
3. The thermal conductivity of bar decreases with the increase in temperature. This is due to an
obstruction in the flow of free electrons caused by the increase in the amplitude of the lattice
vibration.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 7

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Experiment No. 3

Title: Determine Fin Efficiency, Effectiveness and Temperature Distribution of Pin Fin

Objective:
 To Determine Fin Efficiency and Effectiveness
 To study the temperature distribution along the length of pin fin.

Introduction:
Fins are used to increase the heat transfer rate from surface to fluid whenever it is not possible to
increase the value of heat transfer coefficient or the temperature difference between the surface
and fluid. The use of this is very common and they are fabricated in variety of shapes.
Circumferential fins around the cylinder of a motor cycle engine and fins attached to condenser
tube of a refrigerator are two examples.
It is obvious that a fin surface sticks out from the primary heat transfer surface. The temperature
difference with surrounding fluid will steadily diminish as one moves out along the fin. The
design of fin therefore requires a knowledge of temperature distribution in the fin.

Description:
The apparatus consists of m.s. fin of circular cross-section fitted across one end of a long
rectangular duct. The other end of duct is connected to suction side of blower and the air flow pass
the perpendicular to its axis. The temperature of five thermocouples connected along the length of
fin is measured by Digital Temperature Indicator. The air flow rate is measured by an orifice
meter fitted on the delivery side of blower.

Specifications:
1) Duct size = 150 mm x 100 mm x 700 mm Length..
2) Dia. of Fin = 12.7 mm.
3) Dia. of Orifice =14 mm.
4) Dia. of delivery pipe ID = 28 mm.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 8

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
5) Coefficient of discharge Cd = 0.64
6) No. of thermocouples on Fin = 5
7) Industrial Type Centrifugal Air Blower with AC Motor, 0.24 HP, 2800 RPM, 180 watts.
"Super Make – Model No.35"
8) Digital Temperature Indicator – Range: 0 – 2000C. “ES Point Make”
9) Digital Voltmeter - Range: 0 – 200 V AC.
10) Digital Ammeter – Range: 0 – 2 Amp. AC.
11) Dimmerstat : Open type - 0-2 Amp., 0-230V, wire wound.
12) Band type Nichrome Wire Heater. Size : 38mm Dia x 50mm Lt.
13) Capacity – 250 Watt.
14) No. of Pin provided = 3 Nos. ( Brass, Al & M.S. Material )

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 9

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

I ) Procedure For Forced Convection :

1) Put ‘on’ Heater switch.
2) Heat input is given by controlling Dimmerstat ( say 80V, 90 V etc. )
3) Start air blower and adjust air flow rate by using control valve.
4) Note down the temperature T1 To T6 at the interval of 10 min.
5) Note down the final reading after steady state is reached.
6) Put the Dimmerstat to zero position and then put ‘off’ heater switch and blower switch.
7) Repeat the experiment for different heat inputs as well as different air flow rates.

Observation Table:

Sr. No. V I H T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 (Tf)

Calculations:
Tm = Average Temp. of Fin
T +T +T +T +T
Tm =
5
T6 =duct temperature.
T= Tm – Tf

ii] Procedure For Free Convection:

a) Switch 'On' Main Switch.
b) Give Heat input to the Heater by adjusting the Dimmer Knob (Say 80 V to 120 Volt.)
c) Wait for 45 Minutes to attain steady state condition.
d) Record the temperatures, Ammeter, Voltmeter readings in the Observation table.
e) Repeat the experiment for different values of Heat input.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 10

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
Observation Table:
Sr. No. V I T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

Precautions:
1. Selector switch, dimmer knobs should be used gently.
2. When the experiment is over, turn the dimmer knob to zero position and allow the
blower to run for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Run the equipment once in a week for better performance.
4. Do Not Exceed The Heat Input Beyond 80 Watts.

Result:

Conclusion:

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 11

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Experiment No. 4

Title: Natural and Forced convection for flow through a circular pipe.

Objective:
1. To Study the effect of Forced Convection.
2. To determine the heat transfer in Forced Convection.

Introduction:
Heat transfer by forced convection is one of the most important heat transfer modes present in
many engineering applications. The apparatus is designed to find out the value of heat transfer
coefficient under the different air flow conditions. Heat is transferred from the heated test section
of the pipe to the air flow through it.

Description:
The apparatus is mounted on a table. It mainly consists of blower with regulator to vary the air
flow rate, electrically heated test section, orifice and a Water tube manometer.
A G.I. pipe is fitted at the outlet of air blower and is connected to the test section where surface of
pipe is heated by using nichrome heater clamped on the pipe. Six thermocouples are fitted inside
the test section to measure the temperature of air and surface temperature of pipe.
An orifice meter is fitted at the outlet of the test section for measurement of air flow with the help
of Water tube manometer. By using dimmerstat the heat input for heater can be varied. A digital
temperature indicator is used to measure the temperature with the help of thermocouples
provided.

Specifications:
1) Industrial Type Air Blower with AC motor HP, 2800 rpm, 230 V AC, having provision to
increase the air flow rate by control valve.
2) Orifice diameter – 14 mm.
3) Band type Nichrome heater (MS in Brass ) mounted on test pipe surface
38mm Dia. x 400mm Length.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 12

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
4) Capacity – 400 watt.
5) Dimmerstat 2 amp., 230 V, Open type.
6) Digital Temp. Indicator : Range 0 – 3000C : Make : ES Point.
7) Digital Ammeter :- 0 – 2 Amps., 230 VAC
8) Digital Voltmeter :- 0 – 199.9 VAC
9) Cr/Al Thermocouple – 6 Nos.
10) Length of the test section – 400 mm.
11) Water tube manometer with scale.
11] Table & Stand made up of MS square hollow pipe and Angle. Both side Laminated boards
are fixed on the top and front side of the table.

Procedure:
1) Switch On the blower switch and adjust the air flow by using Regulator provided on the
blower as desired.

2) Now after adjusting the air flow rate switch on the Heater switch.
3) Now, give heat input by dimmerstat ( say 80 V, 100 V, etc) to desired value. ( Do not exceed
80 Watt )

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 13

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
4) Observe that the temperature of air and wall increases.
5) Wait for one hour approximately to achieve steady state conditions.
6) Record all six temperatures by using selector switch.
7) Note down the readings in observation table.
8) Repeat the experiment for different heat input as well as different air flow conditions.

Observations:
1) Test section length – 400 mm.
2) I.D. of G.I. Pipe – 28 mm.
3) Air temperatures – T1 & T6
4) Pipe surface temperatures – T2, T3, T4, T5
5) Orifice diameter – 14 mm.

Observation Table:

Manometer
Voltage Current
Reading Temperatures 0C
Sr.
No.
V I H cm T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6

T1 -Air inlet temp.0C T6 -Air outlet temp.0C

T2, T3, T4, T5 Temp. of pipe surface 0C

Calculations:
1) The value of heat transfer coefficient ‘ha’ can be calculated by using
Where Qa is the heat transfer rate to air Qa =m x cp x dT
M Mass flow rate of air from orifice meter reading. - kg/hr
o
cp Sp. Heat of air at Ta -0.24 kcal/kg .m C
T Temperature rise of air ( T6 – T1 ) 0C
A heat transfer area - m2
Ts Average surface Temp. of pipe.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 14

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Precautions:
1. Do not exceed the voltage while giving heater input beyond 80 Watts on voltmeter.
2. Selector switch, dimmer knobs should be used gently.
3. When the experiment is over, turn the dimmer knob to zero position and allow the
blower to run for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Run the equipment once in a week for better performance.
5. Do not disturb the Thermocouple wires.

Result:

Conclusions:

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 15

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Experiment No. 5

Title: Effectiveness for parallel flow and counter flow in double pipe heat exchanger

Objective:
1. To Study The Parallel Flow And Counter Flow Heat Exchanger
2. To determine the effectiveness in parallel flow and counter flow
Introduction:
Heat exchangers are devices in which heat is transferred from one fluid to another. The necessity
for doing this arises in industrial applications. Common examples of heat exchangers are radiators
of cars, the condenser at the back of a domestic refrigerator or steam boiler of a thermal power
plant.
Description:
The apparatus is simple transfer type heat exchanger. The apparatus consists of tube in tube type
concentric tube heat exchanger. In this heat exchanger, hot fluid flows through inner tube and
cooling water flows through the annulus. The apparatus is mounted on a board and provides a
system of pipes and valves. According to the type of the flow, arrangement of valves is made. Hot
fluid flows always in one direction and the direction of cold fluid can be changed accordingly.
Thermometers are provided for temperature measurement of hot fluid and cold fluid. An electric
geyser is used to heat the water. Flow rates of hot and cold water sides are measured with the help
of measuring flask and stopwatch. Outer tube of the heat exchanger is provided with adequate
thermocouple insulation to minimize the heat losses.
Specifications
1. Length of Heat Exchanger : 1.6m.
2. Outer Tube : Material- G.I.I.D.- 28 mm. O.D.- 32 mm.
3. Inner Tube : Material - Copper. OD 12.7
4. Thermocouples : 4 Nos.
5. Geyser ... ... ... : Instantaneous type. 3 kW capacity – 1 No.
6. Measuring Flask ............................. :1000 ml with stop watch.
7. Gun Metal Gate valves for flow arrangement – 5 Nos.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 16

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL

Experimental Setup:

Operating Procedure:

1. Make proper connections of the water flow by operating the concerned valves as
follow.

Type of Flow Open the Valves Nos. Close the Valves Nos.
Parallel V1 & V3 V2 & V4
Counter V2 & V4 V1 & V3

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 17

 Heat Transfer – LABORATORY MANUAL
Observation Table:
Sr.
No. Type of Flow Hot Water Cold Water

Flow rate Thi Tho Flow rate Tci Tco

01 Parallel Flow

02 Counter Flow

Calculations:
3) Hot water flow rate, Mh
4) Heat Transfer rate at hot water side, qh qh = Mh Cph dT
5) Heat Transfer rate at cold water side, qc qc = Mc Cpc dT

6) L.M.T.D.

7) Overall heat transfer coefficient, ‘U’

q =U A ƟTm

Result:

Conclusion:

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING – TEC 18