Heat exchangers transfer thermal energy from the flow of one medium to another. The two flows do not come into direct contact with one another. Efficient heat transfer is a prerequisite for economical processes. Therefore, different heat exchanger types are used in practice depending on the requirements.

This experimental unit can be used to investigate and compare different heat exchanger designs. The complete experimental setup consists of two main elements: WL 110 as supply and control unit and choice of heat exchanger: Tubular heat exchanger (WL 110.01), plate heat exchanger (WL 110.02), shell and tube heat exchanger (WL 110.03) and stirred tank with jacketed vessel and coil (WL 110.04). Water is used as the medium.

The heat exchanger to be investigated is connected to the supply unit. The hot water flows through the heat exchanger. Part of the thermal energy of the hot water is transferred to the cold water. Reversing the water connections changes the direction of flow and thus allows parallel flow or counterflow operation.

The main function of the WL 110 is to provide the required cold and hot water circuits. To do this, the supply unit is equipped with a heated tank and pump for the hot water circuit, connections for the cold water circuit and a switch cabinet with displays and controls. A temperature controller controls the hot water temperature. The flow rate in the hot water and cold water circuit is adjusted using valves. The cold water circuit can be fed from the laboratory mains or the WL 110.20.

The GUNT software consists of a software for data acquisition and an educational software. With explanatory texts and illustrations the educational software significantly aids the understanding of the theoretical principles. With the aid of an authoring system, the teacher can create further exercises.

Sensors record the temperatures and flow rates. The measured values are read from digital displays and can be transmitted simultaneously via USBdirectly to a PC where they can be analysed using the software.