Heat transfer characteristics of large heat pipes

Abstract

Heat pipes have become known as excellent heat transfer devices for energy conservation, and been put to practical use in various fields. A basic study on the world's largest heat pipe (50.8 mm theta diameter, 6 m long), used in a gas to gas heat exchanger for blast furnace air in a humidification plant is described. Data was obtained on heat transfer and the critical heat transport capability, and applied to the practical design for a gas to gas heat-pipe heat exchanger.