Assessment of a Simpler Friction Factor in an Algebraic Solution for Adiabatic Coiled Capillary Tubes

In this work, the performance of an existing algebraic solution for adiabatic coiled capillary tubes, in subcritical cycles, is investigated. However, the C-M&N friction factor, commonly used, was replaced by Schmidt friction factor, which is less complex. Two existing dimensionless correlations were also evaluated for comparison. To assess the effect of altering the friction factor, experimental data collected in the literature were used as reference. Analyzing the present results and that with C-M&N friction factor, it was observed that adopting the Schmidt friction factor does not cause a relevant impact on the solution. The deviations of the predicted versus experimental mass flow rates were comprised in a range between -8% and 12%, with average deviation (AD), absolute average deviation (AAD) and root mean square (RMS) error of -0.1%, 2.7% and 3.4%, respectively. The empirical correlations presented unsatisfactory results, with maximum deviation around 40%. Therefore, it was concluded that using the Schmidt friction factor is adequate to reduce the complexity of the algebraic solution and to maintain the accuracy.