Department of Mechanical Engineering

Alabama A&M University

ME 312L Heat and Mass Lab
Spring 2013

Experiment #5
Double Pipe Heat Exchange

Cameron Alexander

Instructor: Dr. S. Chowdhury
Date Submitted: March 25, 2013
Abstract
In this experiment we analyzed a double heat pipe exchanger. We were given a set of data and
then had to solve the equations for the unknowns. This experiment teaches you about counter
flow and parallel flow. With the given data we were then able to solve the problems. This lab
was very effective. We learned a lot.
Introduction
A heat exchanger is a piece of equipment built for efficient heat transfer from one medium to
another. So that they never mix, or fall into direct contact, the media is separated by a solid wall.
The temperature gradient or the differences in temperature facilitate this transfer of heat.
Transfer of heat happens by three means: radiation, conduction and convection. In a heat
exchanger forced convection allows for the transfer of heat of one moving stream to another
moving stream. A heat exchanger is very practical in everyday life. Many are used in space
heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, power plants, chemical plants, petrochemical plants,
petroleum refineries, natural gas processing and sewage treatment. The device is called a double
pipe exchanger because one fluid flows inside a pipe and the other fluid flows between that pipe
and another pipe that surrounds the first.
Objective
Find:
Heat transfer

and

, and discuss.
Log mean temperature difference

.
Overall heat transfer coefficient U.
Experimental Setup


Figure 1: The picture above illustrates Counter flow in the Double Pipe Heat Exchanger



Figure 2: The picture above illustrates Parallel Flow in the Double Pipe Heat Exchanger

Calculations
Given:
Length (in) 39.25
Inner pipe diameter (in) 0.625
Outer pipe diameter (in) 1.125
Hot water flow rate (ft/min) 0.2
Cold water flow rate (ft/min) 0.4
Hot water inlet temperature (F) 155
Hot water outlet temperature (F) 110
Cold water inlet temperature (F) 60
Cold water outlet temperature (F) 75


Heat Transfer:

Hot:

Cold:

From table A-6:

Mass flow rate of hot water:

()

Mass flow rate of cold water:

()

Hot:

()( )

Cold:

()( )

Solve for q by adding

and

Finding

equation:

Finding

Finding

Therefore:

Solving for U:

()()()

Conclusion
This lab was very effective. It thoroughly explains the concepts needed to be explained. I
was able to see a real world application of the given concept so that I can use it later in my
engineering life. However, a more simplistic breakdown during the class lecture would be
greatly appreciate. With that, we will be able to better understand certain concepts once the lab
starts instead on going in blind. Still, this lab was very effective and should continue to be used.
References
Laboratory Notes