Design, Construction and Characterization of a Model Heat Exchanger Unit for Preheating Lubricating Oil

Abstract

This project work is the design, construction and characterization of a model heat exchanger unit for preheating lubricating oil. The experiment Heat exchanger rig was developed using a 30 liters water reservoir, oil reservoir (10 liters), PVC pipe (0.012m diameter, 0.7m long), 0.5 HP Electric pump and other fittings; with the assembly of these components at the Mechanical Engineering workshop, Caritas University, Amorji-Nike.The performance of the heat exchanger unit was evaluated by the assessment of such parameters like the convective Heat transfer of the rig, viscosity index and flash point of the oil at various temperatures ranging between 50⁰C to 100⁰C. It was observed that the flash points of the oil increased with increasing temperature and the kinematic viscosity increased. The design study indicated that the Heat exchanger rig performance is above seventy percent (70%).