| Summary: | Heat exchangers play an important role in different industrial processes; therefore, it is important to characterize these devices to improve their efficiency by guaranteeing the efficient use of energy. In this study, we carry out a numerical analysis of flow dynamics, heat transfer, and entropy generation inside a heat exchanger; an aqueous medium used for oil extraction flows through the exchanger. Hot water flows on the shell side; nanoparticles have been added to the water in order to improve heat transfer toward the cold aqueous medium flowing on the tube side. The aqueous medium must reach a certain temperature in order to obtain its oil extraction properties. The analysis is performed for different Richardson numbers (<i>Ri</i> = 0.1−10), nanofluid volume fractions (<i>φ</i> = 0.00−0.06), and heat exchanger heights (<i>H</i> = 0.6−1.0). Results are presented in terms of Nusselt number, total entropy generation, Bejan number, and performance evaluation criterion. Results showed that heat exchanger performance increases with the increase in <i>Ri</i> when <i>Ri</i> > 1 and when reducing <i>H</i>.
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