Enhancement of heat transfer coefficient using nanofluids for multi-stage flash desalination (MSF) plant

<p>“The enhancement of thermal conductivity and local heat transfer coefficient, under laminar and turbulent flow regimes, of water-based spherical Al₂O₃, CuO, and Fe₂O₃ nanofluids have been experimentally investigated for the improvement of the thermal desalination processes using a newly developed sophisticated noninvasive heat transfer coefficient probe that is flush mounted on the inner wall surface of the test section. The nanoparticles have been selected because of their superior thermal conductivity and low cost, as well as the magnetic characteristic of Fe₂O₃ nanoparticle since a magnet can collect it and reuse. Also, Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles with saline water representing seawater has been investigated for the first time for improvement of evaporation and heat transfer characteristics to enhance the performance of multi stage flash (MSF) units in thermal desalination process. The thermal conductivity and local heat transfer coefficient increased with the increase of the volume fraction and temperature of the nanofluids also with decreasing the nanoparticle size. Also, the results show that the material from which the particle is produced is a key factor in determining the nanofluids thermal conductivity and local heat transfer coefficient. Regarding the application of nanofluids with saline water as a base fluid, stable saline water nanofluid showed lower boiling temperatures and fast boiling. This would preheat the cooling seawater quickly and at low temperatures before reaching the brine heater in real MSF process. The improvement of local heat transfer obtained represents the first step to estimate the water production increase amount by using saline water nanofluid”--Abstract, page iv.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering

Grantor

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Author dc:creator

• Zouli, Nasser

• Heat transfer coefficient
• Thermal boundary layer film thickness
• Nanoparticles
• Nusselt number
• Thermal conductivity
• Thermal desalination
• Chemical Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/3120

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsmine.mst.edu:doctoral_dissertations-4125