Determining heat transfer coefficients in radial flow through a polyethylene packed bed

A numerical-experimental methodology was used for determining interstitial heat transfer coefficients in water flowing through porous media where it was not in heat balance with the solid phase. Heat transfer coefficients were obtained through the single blow transient test method, combining experimental test equipment results with a mathematical model’s numerical solution. The partial differential equation system produced by the mathematical model was resolved by a numerical finite volume method-based methodology. Experimental tests and numerical solutions were satisfactorily carried out for different values from the fluid’s surface speed from the entrance to the bed and for different porosity values, finding that Nusselt numbers increased when Reynolds numbers also increased and that Nusselt numbers increased when porosity decreased. A 650 Reynolds number and 0.375 porosity gave a Nusselt number of up to 2.8.