CFD Simulation of Supercritical LNG Heat Transfer in a Horizontal Tube of an Intermediate Fluid Vaporizer

A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model has been established for the simulations of supercritical LNG heat transfer in a horizontal tube of an intermediate fluid vaporizer (IFV). The influences of inlet pressure and mass flux on heat transfer have been studied. The predictive capabilities of different heat transfer coefficient (HTC) correlations, which is vital for the economic and reliable design of an IFV, have been evaluated. The results indicate that the Jackson correlation gives more accurate HTC predictions for supercritical LNG at the relatively small mass flux, with a maximum deviation of 10% and an average deviation of 6%; while for the cases with larger mass flux, a modification to the Jackson-Hall correlation works well. Detailed flow and heat transfer characteristics and buoyancy effect have also been analyzed. The reported findings would provide insight into the supercritical LNG vaporization process and give guidance to the design optimization of an IFV.