Experimental study on gas-solid flow around spiral finned tube

The gas-solid two-phase flow around a spiral finned tube was measured using a three dimensional particle dynamic analyzer (PDA). The particles used were glass beads. A parabolic distribution of the particle concentration and velocity between two adjacent fins was observed. The results show that the concentration and velocity in the center zone are relatively high. Moreover, the closer the zone is to the wall, the lower the values are. This parabolic distribution of velocity and concentration abates the collision energy against the base pipe and the fins. Thus the abrasion is alleviated. In addition, an axial velocity is observed at the windward stagnant point because of the guidance of the spiral fins, which is essentially distinct from bare tubes.