R&D

Alma Technology > R&D
Heat Transfer Research & Development

Heat Transfer Research & Development

2020
Introduced
CFD MODELING OF WIRE TURBULATORS

Alma Tech developed a fully automated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, from geometry generation to technical reports, in order to evaluate turbulator performances. 

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of wire turbulators

In order to address the growing request from customers for specific aero-thermal performance of the turbulators, a fully automated CFD workflow, from geometry generation to technical reports, has been developed in Alma Tech. The very easy to use CFD model, validated against experimental measurements performed at the company site for a selected range of turbulators, shows very good accuracy and is able to provide a useful insight on the effect of design changes on the turbulator performance even to technicians without a strong knowledge and expertise in CFD. From a virtual warehouse where all the turbulators geometries are stored, the user can select the specific design to be tested and evaluated by setting the simulations parameters for multiple tests in a single input file. After the simulations are completed, an automated reporting procedure is used to create an output file with performance parameters listed for all the geometries and operating conditions tested, allowing for a very efficient performance evaluation for all the turbulators manufactured by Alma Tech.

From the generation of the turbulator geometry to the volume mesh required to run the simulations, the entire process is fully automated.
From the generation of the turbulator geometry to the volume mesh required to run the simulations, the entire process is fully automated.
All the simulation parameters, from the mesh resolution to the operating conditions in which the turbulator must be testes, are included in a minimal input file.
All the simulation parameters, from the mesh resolution to the operating conditions in which the turbulator must be testes, are included in a minimal input file.
Visualizations of velocity and temperature of the fluid can be saved during the simulations to allow for visual inspection of the effect of the turbulator on flow and thermal fields.
Visualizations of velocity and temperature of the fluid can be saved during the simulations to allow for visual inspection of the effect of the turbulator on flow and thermal fields.
Visualizations of velocity and temperature of the fluid can be saved during the simulations to allow for visual inspection of the effect of the turbulator on flow and thermal fields.
Visualizations of velocity and temperature of the fluid can be saved during the simulations to allow for visual inspection of the effect of the turbulator on flow and thermal fields.
Multiple tests can be monitored at run-time to assess the status of the simulation and the trend in performance parameters.
Multiple tests can be monitored at run-time to assess the status of the simulation and the trend in performance parameters.
Average value of performance parameters are automatically computed and saved from multiple test to allow for efficient performance evaluation during testing.
Average value of performance parameters are automatically computed and saved from multiple test to allow for efficient performance evaluation during testing.
Average value of performance parameters are automatically computed and saved from multiple test to allow for efficient performance evaluation during testing.
Average value of performance parameters are automatically computed and saved from multiple test to allow for efficient performance evaluation during testing.
2023
CFD MODELING OF INNER GROOVED PIPES

Alma Tech developed a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software, from geometry generation to technical reports, in order to evaluate performances of tubes with inner grooves.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of inner grooved pipes

The CFD technology and workflow developed for the wire turbulators is also used for the analysis of inner grooved pipes. Thanks to the available modeling parameters, the grooves can be properly resolved by increasing the grid resolution from the core of the pipe towards the walls via the main input file. Automatic reporting of the effect of the inner grooves on the performance parameters of the pipe allows also for this product a fast and efficient performance evaluation to ensure clients need are always satisfied.

CAD model of the inner grooved pipe.
CAD model of the inner grooved pipe.
Surface and volumetric mesh of the inner grooved pipe CFD model.
Surface and volumetric mesh of the inner grooved pipe CFD model.
Visualizations of the velocity field inside the inner grooved pipe computed with the CFD model.
Visualizations of the velocity field inside the inner grooved pipe computed with the CFD model.
Visualizations of the temperature field inside the inner grooved pipe computed with the CFD model.
Visualizations of the temperature field inside the inner grooved pipe computed with the CFD model.

Production

Alma Tech is able to provide following inspections and tests.

  • Chemical Composition
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Hydrostatic Test
  • Pneumatic Test
  • Eddy Current Test
  • Dye Penetrant Test
  • Magnetoscopic Test
  • Tensile Test
  • Hardness Test
  • Expansion Test
  • Flattening Test
  • Explosion Test
  • Pulling Test
  • Tearing Test
  • Vapour Ammonia Test
  • Corrosion Test
  • Boroscopic Inspection
  • Visual Inspection
  • Dimensional Control

For different inspections and tests please contact our technical office.

Hydrostatic Test

Hydrostatic Test
Pneumatic Pressure
1 ÷ 1000 bar
14,5 ÷ 14500 psi
Tube Diameter
5 ÷ 70 mm
0,2 ÷ 2,75 in.
Tube Length
0,5 ÷ 20 m
1,64 ÷ 65,60 ft.

Pneumatic Test

Pneumatic Test
Pneumatic Pressure
1 ÷ 18 bar
14,5 ÷ 250 psi
Tube Diameter
5 ÷ 70 mm
0,2 ÷ 2,75 in.
Tube Length
0,5 ÷ 28 m
1,64 ÷ 91,86 ft.

Energy conservation

Alma Tech SRL is specialized in producing high-quality heat exchange tubes that are designed to optimize and increase energy conservation. Our products are ideal for use in a variety of industrial, commercial, and residential settings, where energy efficiency is a top priority.

Alma Tech’s pipes are designed with advanced technology that helps to maximize heat transfer during the transfer process. Our innovative designs (enhancing outer surface or increasing tube-side performances) are engineered to optimize heat exchange, allowing for maximum efficiency in heat transfer. These features make our tubes an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including heating and cooling systems, refrigeration units, and industrial processes.

One of the key benefits of Alma Tech’s products is their ability to reduce energy consumption, which can lead to significant cost savings for customers and reducing heat exchanger size (up to 50%). By minimizing heat loss and optimizing heat exchange, our pipes allow heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain comfortable temperatures. This can translate into lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.