Thermal Conductivity of External Contaminants of Air-Cooled Heat Exchangers

Abstract

The results of experimental studies of thermal conductivity of the dominant types of external contaminants of air coolers are given. Reed down, peat litter, leaves, sand, pine needles, and ash were investigated, as well as mixtures: sand with ash, sand with reed down, peat litter with leaves. The results are presented as the dependence of thermal conductivity on the density of contaminants. A linear approximation generalizing the found dependences is recommended. It is shown that thermal conductivity is significantly dependent on the pollutant porosity.