Effect of Turbulators on Sediment Accumulation in Home Heating Radiators: Experimental Analysis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of turbulence promoters—spring, twisted tape, and propeller—in reducing sediment accumulation within domestic heating radiators, a challenge that impacts thermal efficiency and system longevity. The research involved a 72-hour experimental analysis under controlled conditions, using a dual-radiator setup to evaluate the performance of each turbulator type at various temperature. The study adhered to international standards, ensuring the reliability and replicability of the results. Methodologically, the turbulator geometries were selected to maximize shear stress and compatibility with the radiator dimensions, with the aim of achieving optimal sediment reduction without compromising thermal efficiency. The experiments measured key parameters, including heat output, pressure drop, and the weight of residual particles, to validate the turbulator’s effectiveness. The results revealed that the propeller turbulator was particularly effective, reducing the heat output reduction due to sedimentation to 5.1% at a Reynolds number of 1680, compared to an 18.3% reduction in the control system without a turbulator. Additionally, the introduction of turbulators resulted in a minimal increase in the pressure drop, demonstrating their efficiency in sediment control without negatively impacting hydraulic performance. The weight of residual particles was significantly lower in systems using turbulators, with the propeller showing the greatest reduction. The study concludes that mechanical turbulence promoters, especially the propeller, provide a sustainable alternative to chemical methods that can cause corrosion and reduce the durability of radiators. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient and long-lasting domestic heating systems, aligning with the broader goals of advancing residential thermal management.