Heat transfer characteristics of Turbotec tubing

The thermal/hydraulic performance of Turbotec spirally fluted tubes was evaluated. The emphasis is on individual heat transfer coefficients for the inside and outside surfaces so that the designer can calculate the overall heat transfer coefficient for any type of heat exchanger. The data for Turbotec tubes are presented in terms of an envelope diameter so that direct comparisons can be made with the performance of smooth tubes. The specific flow conditions considered are free convection external flow, laminar internal flow, turbulent internal flow (including fouling), turbulent external flow, fluidized beds, vapor space condensation, and in-tube condensation. The Turbotec tubes exhibit large increases in performance for forced convection single-phase flow.