Development and evaluation of vipertex enhanced heat transfer tubes for use in fouling conditions

Heat transfer enhancement is important in the development of high performance thermal systems. Some enhanced tubes that are currently on the market are vulnerable to fouling. Economic and technical problems associated with fouling in process systems have been previously discussed in literature; however, they still require additional examination. Parameters that influence fouling include: surface geometry, surface temperature, surface material/finish, fluid dynamics, flow velocity and fluid properties. Vipertex™ enhanced surfaces are optimized process surfaces that increase heat transfer through a combination of factors that include: increasing fluid turbulence, secondary flow development, disruption of the thermal boundary layer and increasing the heat transfer surface area. Vipertubes™ that have been exposed to a fouling environment produce more heat transfer than smooth tubes exposed to the same fouling conditions; additionally there was less total fouling over a given time period. The reduction in the rate of fouling is the result of secondary flow patterns that form as a result of the patented Vipertex surface design. These secondary flows circulate near the tube surface and clean it; slowing down the buildup of materials. Vipertex EHT series tubes enhance heat transfer (even under fouling conditions), minimize operating costs and recover more energy than smooth tubes under the same conditions. These surfaces provide an opportunity to advance the design of various heat transfer products.