Experimental analysis of the single phase pressure drop characteristics of smooth and microfin tubes

In this study, the single phase pressure drop characteristics of smooth and microfin tubes are investigated experimentally. The horizontal test section is a counter flow double tube heat exchanger with water flowing in the inner tube and cooling water flowing in the annulus. By means of experimental setup, required temperature and pressure measurements are recorded and friction factor coefficient and pressure drop of smooth and microfin tubes are determined. Experiments are conducted for mass flow rates in the range between 0.023 kg/s and 0.100 kg/s and effect of Reynolds number on pressure drop is investigated. By using experimental results, Blasius type friction factor equations are developed for both smooth and microfin tubes. Experimental results for both smooth and microfin tubes are compared with correlations given in the literature.