Abstract
Metallic catalytic converters are composed of monoliths through which pass hundreds or thousands of parallel channels. Their mode of manufacture is such that each channel has the cross-section of a sinusoidal curve closed off by a nearly straight edge. During the operation of such converters, heat generated at the channel walls is transferred to the gases flowing through the channels. To understand the overall heat transfer characteristics of the monolith, it is necessary to understand the heat transfer rate between the channel walls and the fluid contained within them. With the use of the computational fluid dynamics package FIDAP, a three-dimensional model of a single channel was used to determine the local Nusselt number (Nu) versus Graetz number (Gz) correlation for heat transfer between the fluid and the walls of the channel. Flow through the channel was laminar and developing from a flat velocity profile at the channel inlet to the fully developed flow towards the outlet. Three different models were developed which corresponded to sinusoid height to width aspect ratios of 5 : 2, 3 : 2, and 1:1, respectively. The Nu vs. Gz correlations for the straight edge, curved sinusoidal edge and entire perimeter were calculated and are reported.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Flytzani-Stephanopoulos, M., Voecks, G. E. and Charng, T., “Modelling of Heat Transfer in Non-Adiabatic Monolith Reactors and Experimental Comparisons of Metal Monoliths with Packed Beds,”Chem. Eng Sci.,41(5), 1203 (1986).
Groppi, G. and Tronconi, E., “Theoretical Analysis of Mass and Heat Transfer in Monolith Catalysts with Triangular Channels”Chem. Eng Sci.,52(20), 3521 (1997).
Hawthorn, R. D., “Afterburner Catalysts Effects of Heat and Mass Transfer between Gas and Catalyst Surface,”AIChE Symp. Sen,70(137), 428 (1974).
Hayes, R. E. and Kolaczkowski, S. T., “Mass and Heat Transfer Effects in Catalytic Monolith Reactors,”Cat. Today,47 (1-4), 295 (1999).
Howard, C. P., “Heat-Transfer and Flow Fiction Characteristics of Skewed-Passage and Glass-Ceramic Heat Transfer Surfaces”J. Engng Pwr,87, 72(1965).
Kolaczkowski, S. T. and Serbetcioglu, “Development of Combustion Catalysts for Monolith Reactors: A Consideration of Transport Limitations,”App. Cat. A,138,199 (1996).
Kolaczkowski, S. T. and Worth, D. J., “Modelling Channel Interactions in a Non-adiabatic Multichannel Catalytic Combustion Reactof,”Cat. Today,26, 275 (1995).
Shah, R K. and London, A. L., “Laminar Flow Forced Convection in Ducts,” Academic Press, New York, U.S.A. (1978).
Sherony, D. F. and Solbrig, C. W., “Analytical Investigation of Heat or Mass Transfer and Friction Loss in a Corrugated Duct Heat or Mass Exchanger,”Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer,13,145 (1970).
Votraba, J., Sinkule, J., Hlavacek, V. and Skrivanek, J., “Heat and Mass Transfer in Monolithic Honeycomb Catalysts-I,”Chem. Eng. Sci.,30,117(1975).
Zygourakis, K., “Studies on the Catalytic Reactof,” PhD Thesis, University of Minnesota (1981).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Phan, C., Holgate, D.L. & Griffin, G.J. Determination of the Nusselt versus Graetz correlation for heat transfer in channels of sinusoidal cross-section. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 20, 1012–1016 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02706929
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02706929