Parametric optimization of a coiled agitated vessel with TiO2/water nanofluid
Abstract An effective procedure of response surface methodology (RSM) has been successfully developed for a coiled agitated vessel by finding the optimal values of working parameters to achieve the high heat transfer performance. Studies have been performed for two types of agitators, propeller and disk turbine respectively. TiO2/water nanofluid has been used as agitated medium. Various operating parameters, such as impeller speed (100–700 rpm for propeller and 100–300 rpm for disk turbine), TiO2/water nanofluid concentration (0–0.3 vol%), heat input (400–2200 W) to the agitated medium were explored by experiment. Experiments were performed at desired set of working conditions suggested by a standard RSM design called a Box-Behnken Design. Nusselt number was considered as performance parameter. The results identify the significant influence factors to achieve high coefficient of heat transfer. A set of 690 rpm, 0.28 vol%, 1480 W for propeller and 220 rpm, 0.15 vol%, 1330 W for disk turbine have been suggested by the model for achieving improved heat transfer performances. The obtained optimal working parameters have been predicted and verified by conducting validation experiments. A good agreement of discrepancy ±4% have been obtained between experimental and predicted values.