Enhancing Heat Transfer: Augmentation Techniques in the Process Industry

Introduction:

The evolution of high-performance thermal systems has driven the need to enhance existing heat transfer techniques, known as heat transfer augmentation. This course on advanced heat transfer enhancement techniques is essential for mastering new strategies and applying them to thermal equipment within the process industry, including oil refineries, gas plants, and various power systems such as thermal, nuclear, solar, geothermal, and ocean thermal.

Participants will first revisit fundamental concepts of fluid flow and heat transfer, followed by an in-depth exploration of both passive and active heat transfer enhancement techniques for single-phase and phase change fluids. The course also covers critical technical and economic factors, including fabrication costs, operational expenses, and performance evaluation criteria (PEC).

Objectives:

By the end of this Enhancing Heat Transfer: Augmentation Techniques in the Process Industry course, participants will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow to select appropriate enhancement techniques.
• Understand the basics of thermal design for heat exchangers.
• Identify optimal heat transfer enhancement techniques for specific industrial applications.
• Evaluate heat transfer efficiency and implement methods to address inefficiencies.
• Address operational challenges and modify heat exchanger designs for improved performance.

Training Methodology:

• Workshops
• Simulations
• Group Discussions
• Role Playing
• Interactive Exercises
• Scenario Analysis
• Project-Based Learning

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Overview of Heat Transfer Equipment in the Process Industry

• Thermal performance of heat transfer equipment
• Performance Indicators
• Cost Analysis: Operational and Maintenance
• Types of enhancement techniques and their justifications
• Performance Evaluation Criteria (PEC)

Unit 2: Fundamentals of Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Thermal Devices

• Conduction heat transfer and thermal resistance
• Basic fluid movement in different geometries
• Pressure drop calculation, pump, and compressor selection
• Convection phenomena and thermofluidics
• Heat transfer with phase change: boiling and condensation
• Solving various heat transfer problems

Unit 3: Strategies for Enhancing Heat Transfer for Single-Phase Fluid Flow

• Efficient passive techniques: heat sinks and fins
• Swirl flow methods and fluid additives
• Efficient active techniques: stirring and rotational devices
• Fluid and surface response
• Forced convection with finned surfaces

Unit 4: Augmentation Techniques for Fluids with Phase Change

• Passive non-mechanical techniques: treated and rough surfaces
• Extended & displaced surfaces
• Swirl flow devices and fluid additives
• Effective active techniques: electromagnetic fields
• Challenges with boiling and condensation and their solutions

Unit 5: Thermo-Economic Targets

• Compound augmentation applications
• Cost-benefit analysis: manufacturing costs vs. benefits
• Operational and maintenance challenges
• Future trends in heat transfer augmentation