Mutah University

Faculty of Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering

Heat Transfer & Thermodynamics Lab 0404423

A Report About Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger

Experiment no. 7

Instructor: Eng. Madallah Al Tarawneh

Student Name Student Number

Arwa Msallam Lassassmeh 120210414019
Rayan Othman Al Masri 120210414078
Ro’a Baker Al Btoush 120210414050
Sarah Muneer Abu Alkhair 120210414081
• Objectives

1. Evaluate the thermal performance of a concentric tube heat exchanger by

measuring parameters like temperature, flow rates, and heat transfer
coefficients.
2. Determine the effectiveness of the heat exchanger under different
operating conditions, including parallel-flow and counter-flow
configurations.
3. Verify the energy balance between the hot and cold fluid streams in the
heat exchanger.
4. Familiarize with the components of a concentric tube heat exchanger,
such as the inner and outer tubes, insulation, and instrumentation.

• Abstract
The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate the working principles of
a concentric tube heat exchanger operating under two different flow
arrangements: parallel flow and counterflow. The study involves evaluating
the heat transfer characteristics, efficiency, and performance of the heat
exchanger under both conditions. Initial conditions such as controlled hot
water temperature, hot and cold-water flow rates are predefined.
Measurements are taken for inlet, midpoint, and outlet temperatures of both
fluids, and the results are analysed to compute parameters such as power
emitted, power absorbed, efficiency, and overall heat transfer coefficient.
• Theory
A heat exchanger is a crucial device used in various industries and
applications to efficiently transfer thermal energy from one fluid to another.
It plays a vital role in heating, cooling, and energy recovery processes. The
primary function of a heat exchanger is to facilitate the transfer of heat
between two or more fluids while keeping them physically separated. This
allows the exchange of thermal energy without mixing the fluids, ensuring
safety and preventing contamination.
Heat exchangers are designed to optimize the efficiency of heat transfer by
maximizing the surface area available for exchange and promoting effective
fluid flow. They consist of two fluid circuits: the hot fluid circuit and the
cold fluid circuit. These circuits are separated by a solid barrier, typically
made of metal, which acts as a conductive pathway for heat transfer. As the
hot fluid flows through one side of the heat exchanger, it transfers its thermal
energy to the solid barrier, which then conducts the heat to the other side
where the cold fluid circulates.
- Flow Arrangement-based Classification
Flow Arrangement-based Classification categorizes heat exchangers
based on the direction and arrangement of fluid flows. It includes parallel
flow, counterflow, and crossflow configurations, which determine the
temperature difference and efficiency of heat transfer within the
exchanger.

▪ Parallel Flow Heat Exchangers

In this arrangement, both the hot and cold fluids enter the heat exchanger
from the same end and flow parallel to each other. This results in a
temperature difference that decreases along the length of the exchanger.

▪ Counterflow Heat Exchangers

In a counterflow arrangement, the hot and cold fluids enter the heat
exchanger from opposite ends and flow in opposite directions. This
configuration maximizes the temperature difference between the fluids,
leading to efficient heat transfer.
 - Rate of heat Emitted by the hot fluid

Q H = VH ρH CpH ( TH in − TH out )

Q H : Rate of heat released by the hot fluid (W)

VH : Volumetric flow rate of the hot fluid (L⁄s)
ρH : Density of hot fluid (kg⁄L)
CpH : Specific heat capacity of the hot fluid (J⁄kg ∙ ℃)
TH in : Inlet temperature of the hot fluid (℃)
TH out : Outlet temperature of the hot fluid (℃)

- Rate of heat Absorbed by the cold fluid

Q C = VC ρC CpC ( TC out − TC in )

Q C : Rate of heat absorbed by the cold fluid (W)

VC : Volumetric flow rate of the cold fluid (L⁄s)
ρC : Density of cold fluid (kg⁄L)
CpC : Specific heat capacity of the cold fluid (J⁄kg ∙ ℃)
TC out : Outlet temperature of the cold fluid (℃)
TC in : Inlet temperature of the cold fluid (℃)

- Power Lost
∆Q = Q H − Q C
- Efficiency
QH
η= × 100
QC
 - Log Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD)

ΔT1 − ΔT2
ΔTm =
ΔT1
log
ΔT2
For parallel flow
∆T1 = TH in − Tc in
∆T2 = TH out − Tc out
For counter flow
∆T1 = TH in − Tc out
∆T2 = TH out − Tc in

- Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient is determined using:

Q
U=
Heat transmission ∙ ΔTm ∙ A

These equations form the basis for analyzing the performance of the heat
exchanger, comparing the results for both flow arrangements.
• Apparatus
The concentric tube heat exchanger is a laboratory apparatus used to study
heat transfer under both parallel flow and counterflow configurations. Its
components are as follows :
1. Concentric Tube Heat Exchanger : A device consisting of two tubes, one
carrying hot water and the other cold water, allowing heat transfer through
the tube walls.
2. Hot Water Supply System : Includes a heater and a controller to set the hot
water temperature (e.g., 60°C).
3. Cold Water Supply System : Provides a constant flow of cold water.
4. Flow Control Valves : Used to adjust the direction of flow, either parallel
or counterflow.
5. Temperature Measuring Devices : Glass thermometer, measure
temperatures at the inlets, midpoints, and outlets of the fluids.
6. Control Panel : Contains switches for setting flow rates and monitoring
system parameters.
This diagram clearly marks the valve adjustments required to switch between
counter and parallel flow.

- Parallel Flow

- Counter Flow
• Procedure

1. Ensure the heat exchanger is securely installed, and all connections are
leak-proof.
2. Fill the hot fluid reservoir with water and heat it to the desired
temperature using a heater.
3. Ensure the cold fluid is at room temperature or supplied from a cooling
system.
4. Decide the flow arrangement:

- Parallel flow: Hot and cold fluids move in the same direction.
- Counterflow: Hot and cold fluids move in opposite directions.
5. Adjust the valves accordingly.
6. Start the flow of hot fluid into the inner tube and cold fluid into the outer
tube (or vice versa).
7. Adjust the flow rates using flow control valves to achieve the desired
conditions.
8. Allow the system to reach steady-state operation
9. Measure and record:

- Inlet and outlet temperatures of hot and cold fluids using glass
thermometers.
- Flow rates of both fluids using rotameters or flow sensors.
10.Switch off the pumps and heater.
• Data

- Volumetric Flow Rates

cm³ ml 1L 1 min
VH = 1800 × × × = 0.030 L⁄s
min cm³ 1000 ml 60 s

cm³ ml 1L 1 min
VC = 2000 × × × = 0.033 L⁄s
min cm³ 1000 ml 60 s

- Heat Transmission Length 1.5 m

- Tube Outer Diameter 15 mm
- Heat Transmission Area
A = πDL
A = π × 15 mm × 10−3 m × 1.5m = 0.071m2

- Density of Water 1 kg⁄L

- Specific Heat of Water 4182 J⁄kg ∙ ℃
 - Parallel Flow

THin THmid THout TCin TCmid TCout

Readings
62 °C 52.5 °C 51 °C 21 °C 26.5 °C 32 °C

L kg J
Q H = 0.030 × 1 × 4182 × (62 − 51) ℃ = 1380.06 W
s L kg ∙ ℃
L kg J
Q C = 0.033 × 1 × 4182 × (32 − 21) ℃ = 1518.06 W
s L kg ∙ ℃

∆Q = 1380.06 − 1518.06 = −138 𝑊

∆T1 = 62 − 21 = 41 ℃
∆T2 = 51 − 32 = 19 ℃

41 − 19
ΔTm = = 65.86 ℃
41
log
19

1518.06𝑊
U= = 324.64 𝑊 ⁄m² ∙ ℃
65.86 ℃ ∙ 0.071 m²

1380.06
η= × 100 = 90.90%
1518.06
 - Counter Flow

THin THmid THout TCin TCmid TCout

Readings
62 °C 52.5 °C 50 °C 22 °C 27 °C 33 °C

L kg J
Q H = 0.030 × 1 × 4182 × (62 − 50) ℃ = 1505.52 W
s L kg ∙ ℃
L kg J
Q C = 0.033 × 1 × 4182 × (33 − 22) ℃ = 1518.06 W
s L kg ∙ ℃

∆Q = 1505.52 − 1518.06 = −12.54 W

∆T1 = 62 − 33 = 29 ℃
∆T2 = 50 − 22 = 28 ℃

29 − 28
ΔTm = = 65.62
29
log
28

1518.06 W
U= = 325.83 W⁄m² ∙ ℃
65.62 ℃ ∙ 0.071 m²

1505.52
η= × 100 = 99.17%
1518.06
• Results
The efficiency in the counter-flow heat exchanger was higher than the
efficiency in the parallel flow heat exchanger which indicates better heat
transfer rate between both hot and cold liquids.

• Analysis & Conclusion

The experiment demonstrates the relationship between flow rates,
temperature gradients, and heat transfer rates in a concentric tube heat
exchanger.

Counterflow arrangement is more effective in transferring heat compared to

parallel flow, as shown by higher LMTD and efficiency values.