E T H E R
Engineering Educational Equipments
Cert. No. 4493
An ISO 9001:2008 Certified Co.
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
for
HEAT TRANSFER IN NATURAL CONVECTION
APPARATUS
Manufacturers:
ETHER ENGINEERS
52. Industrial Estate
Ambala Cantt. – 133006
Ph. 0171-2699150(o), 2654041 (R)
Mobile: 09896133557, 09896333447
Website : www.etherengineers.com
E-mail:
[email protected] [email protected] ENGINEERING EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENTS
AIM :
To determine the natural convection heat transfer coefficient for flow through the given
tube/cylinder.
THEORY :
Convection is a process of energy transfer by the combined action of heat conduction, energy storage
and mixing motion. When the mixing motion is induced by some external agency such as a pump or a
blower, the process is called the forced convection. The intensity of the mixing motion is generally high in
forced convection and consequently the heat transfer coefficients are higher than free convection. The heat
transfer coefficient h can be obtained from the following equation,
h = Q .
A (Ts –Ta)
DESCRIPTION :
The apparatus consists of a brass tube fitted in a rectangular duct in a vertical position. The duct is open at
the top and bottom and forms an enclosure and served the purpose of undisturbed surrounding. An electric
heating element is kept in the vertical tube which intern heats the tube surface. The heat is lost from the tube
to the surrounding air by natural convection. The temperature of the vertical tube is measured by seven
thermocouples. The heat input to the heater is measured by an Ammeter and a Voltmeter and is varied by a
dimmerstat. The tube surface is polished to minimize the radiation losses.
SPECIFICATION :
Test Section : Material Brass
Diameter = 40 mm
Length = 500 mm
Duct Size = 250 mm x 250 mm x 900 mm
Heater : Nichrome wire
Temp. Sensors : RTD Pt -100 (7 Nos.)
Control Panel : Digital Voltmeter (0-300 V)
Digital Ammeter (0-2 Amp)
Variac (0-230 V), 2A
Digital Temp. Indicator (0-300 ºC) with multi channel switch
ON/OFF Switch, Mains Indicator etc.
ENGINEERING EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENTS
PROCEDURE :
1. Ensure that Mains ON/OFF switch given on the panel is at OFF position and Dimmer stat is at
zero position.
2. Connect electric supply to the set up.
3. Switch ON the Mains ON/OFF switch and select the range.
4. Wait till the steady stage is reached.
5. Note the ammeter, voltmeter and thermocouples temperatures, T1 to T6 at an interval of 10
minutes and record the observations.
6. After the experiment is over, set the dimmer stat to zero position.
7. Switch OFF the Mains ON/OFF switch.
8. Switch off the electric power supply to the set up.
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS :
OBSERVATION TABLE :
SL Dimmerstate Voltmeter Current Surface Temperature Ambient
No. Reading W Reading V 1 Amps C Temp
Volt T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 “ Ta ” °C
1
2
T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 + T6
Ts =
6
and Ta = T7
Rate of transfer Q = VxI
Heat transfer coefficient h = Q . watt/mº K
A (Ts –Ta)
A = π d L, where d = Dia of the Cylinder
L = length of the Cylinder
ENGINEERING EDUCATIONAL EQUIPMENTS
PRECAUTIONS & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS :
1. Never run the apparatus if the power supply is less than 180 volts and above 230 volts.
2. Never switch ON mains power supply before ensuring that all the ON/OFF switches given on the
panel are at OFF position.
3. Operate selector switch of temperature indicator gently.
4. Always keep the apparatus free from dust.
TROUBLE SHOOTING :
1. If the electric panel is not showing the input on mains light, check the main supply.
2. If the voltmeter is showing the voltage given to the heater but the ampere meter does not, check
the connection of heater in the control panel.
REFERENCES :
1. Holman, J.P., “Heat Transfer”, 9th edition, McGraw Hill
2. Y.A. Cengel, “Heat & Mass Transfer”, McGraw Hill
