Numerical-Theoretical Analysis of Heat Transfer, Pressure Drop, and Fouling in Internal Helically Ribbed Tubes of Different Geometries

A numerical analysis of heat transfer and pressure drop for turbulent flow in a series of 15.54-mm inside diameter helically ribbed tubes has been performed. The ranges of geometric parameters were number of rib starts (10 to 40), helix angle (25 to 55 degrees), and rib height (0.3 to 0.6 mm). The effect of grid independence was extensively examined. The computational results match well with the experimental data to validate the accuracy of the numerical model. The effect of each main parameter, rib starts, helix angle, and rib height, on heat transfer and pressure drop is investigated. Considering fouling in practical situations, the ratio of pitch over rib height is an important parameter to select the tubes. It is advisable to select tubes with pitch over rib height ratio greater than 3.5, which have better heat transfer and lower fouling potential.