Projects / Mechanical / Project 2

Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger Test Rig (Parallel vs Counter Flow)

Approx. component budget: Rs. 12,000 - 15,000

Objective

Find LMTD, overall heat transfer coefficient and effectiveness for both flow arrangements at different flow rates.

What you will build

Concentric copper/GI pipes, a hot-water loop with heater and thermostat, a cold-water loop, two small pumps, flow measurement and 4 thermocouples.

Results you can expect

• Counter flow gives higher effectiveness; U vs flow-rate plots; experimental values compared with theory (Dittus-Boelter)

What you will learn

A core subject used in power plants, process industries and HVAC. Easy to explain in a viva.

Tools and notes

Excel/Python. Use a thermostat and proper electrical safety for the heater.

Resume points from this project

• Built and tested Double-Pipe Heat Exchanger Test Rig (Parallel vs Counter Flow); objective: find LMTD, overall heat transfer coefficient and effectiveness of a heat exchanger for parallel and counter flow at different flow rates.
• Measured and analysed counter flow shows higher effectiveness and Overall heat transfer coefficient vs flow rate; wrote the report and presented the results in a viva. Add your own numbers: [x].

Replace [x] with your own measured results. Write only what you really did.

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