On the Sieder state correction and its equivalent in mass transfer

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the physical basis of the Sieder-Tate correction in heat transfer and proposes an equivalent correction for mass transfer, emphasizing the importance of evaluating dimensionless numbers at specific flow conditions to improve correlation accuracy.

Contribution

It introduces a mass transfer correction analogous to the Sieder-Tate correction, based on diffusivity ratios, and clarifies when such corrections are necessary for accurate transfer coefficient predictions.

Findings

The Sieder-Tate correction's physical basis is clarified.

An equivalent correction for mass transfer is proposed.

Correct application of the correction improves heat and mass transfer correlation agreement.

Abstract

The physical background behind the success of the Sieder-Tate correction in heat transfer is analysed. The equivalent correction for mass transfer correlations is based on the ratio of diffusivities at the wall and bulk concentrations. This correction is not required if the Prandtl/Schmidt numbers are evaluated at the wall layer conditions and the Reynolds number at the bulk conditions. This technique brings heat and mass transfer coefficients into agreement.