Tubular heat exchangers represent the simplest type of heat exchangers and are the preferred solution for transferring heat with high pressure differences or between high viscosity media (e.g. sludge). An advantage is the uniform flow through the tube space. This space is free of flow dead zones.

The WL 110.01 is part of a series of units enabling experiments to be performed on different heat exchanger types. The experimental unit is ideally suited for investigating the functioning and behaviour of a tubular heat exchanger in operation.

The WL 110.01 is connected to the supply unit WL 110 using quick-release couplings. Hot water flows through the inner tube and cold water through the outer tube. Part of the thermal energy of the hot water is transferred to the cold water. Valves on the supply unit are used to adjust the flow rates of hot and cold water. The supply hose can be reconnected using quick-release couplings, allowing the flow direction to be reversed. This allows parallel flow or counterflow operation. Temperature sensors for measuring the inlet and outlet temperatures are located at the supply connections on the WL 110. There are two additional temperature sensors on the tubular heat exchanger for measuring the temperature after half of the transfer section.

During experiments, temperature curves are plotted and displayed graphically. Additionally, the measured values can be recorded and processed using data acquisition software. The mean heat transfer coefficient is then calculated as a characteristic variable.