convoluted vs straight heat exchanger

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zrule

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What works better for heat exchanger. A 25 ft copper convoluted or 50 ft copper non convoluted
 
For a given inner diameter, resistance will be twice as high in the 50 foot coil resulting in a lower flow rate. Heat exchange is a function of surface area. Coil length longer than 25 ft is probably overkill, even for plain old copper or stainless tubing.
 
Convoluted copper will not produce better heat exchange to any significant degree. I used to have an article around here on the old format laying out the math and fluid analysis. Basically, regular tubing will produce a fully developed turbulent flow even with perfectly smooth tubing. The only thing the convoluted tubing adds is cost.
 
I was thinking that my 25' straight can chill on 1 pass if I set it up right. (cold northern NY water). so I don't think it would matter on the homebrew scale. The benefit wouldn't be that effective at our efficiency.
 
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