Enhancement in Heat Exchange Process in a Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger using Nano Particles

Abstract

Nanoparticles and nano-fluids are having its significant role in transforming and improvising the existing tools and techniques of science and other research. This experimental study deals with the parametric analysis of Al2O3 of size 20-30 nm and CuO of size 30-50 nm nanoparticles to improve the effectiveness of a shell and tube heat exchanger. Nanoparticles used in heat exchangers improved performance through better heat transfer characteristics. An experimental investigation was done on the forced convective heat transfer and flow characteristics of the nano-fluid flowing in a horizontal shell and tube heat exchanger under turbulent flow conditions. The heat transfer of nano-fluid is found higher than that of the base liquid at same mass flow rate and temperature difference. The heat transfer thus heat transfer parameters increases with an increase in volume concentration up to 1.6 % after which heat transfer decreases due to viscosity effects.