Turbulent flow-driven liquid-solid mass transfer in serpentine tube heat exchanger/reactors: applications and implications

This study examines liquid-solid mass and heat transfer rates in serpentine tube heat exchangers/reactors under turbulent flow using the copper dissolution technique. Key factors include solution flow rate, properties, tube diameter, U-bend curvature, and drag-reducing polymers. An empirical correlation predicts mass transfer coefficients, which are 4.12-5.36 times higher than straight tubes. Serpentine tubes show potential for economically viable diffusion-controlled reactions. Drag-reducing polymer (Polyox WSR-301) reduces corrosion rates by up to 23.3%. The study highlights serpentine tubes' applicability in catalytic continuous reactors and membrane processes, emphasizing their significance in heat exchanger design and corrosion allowance prediction.