Numerical analysis of heat transfer characteristics for deposit formation shapes around single cylinder

Abstract

Fouling effect on heat transfer around a cylinder in cross-flow was investigated numerically by ANSYS software programme using finite element method. Calculations were made with variable local heat transfer coefficients, constant free- stream temperature and constant clean tube surface temperature. Heat transfer rates were presented for different cases with temperature field. Deposit thickness formed around the cylinder was fixed as follows: i) Non-uniform thickness of fouling shape was calculated with homogenous condition; ii) Non-uniform and non-homogenous fouling shape was considered; and iii) Effect of eccentricity was calculated for non-uniform and non-homogeneous cases. Numerical predictions were made as temperature contours through thickness of fouling and Qfoul/Qclean was plotted against the position of fouling.