Inline vs. Staggered Tube Arrangement in Fin-and-Tube Coils
Brief introduction: Fin–tube coils (aluminum fins and copper tubes) are commonly arranged in two tube layouts: inline (linear rows/columns) and staggered (triangular). Each layout affects airflow behavior, heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and manufacturing/installation costs. Inline layout Structural features: o Tubes are placed in regular rows and columns with uniform spacing; the pattern is rectangular/square rather than hexagonal. Effects on heat transfer: Positives: Airflow is more uniform and less turbulent, giving a more predictable velocity distribution and simplifying convection modeling. Thinner, more stable boundary layers in some...
