Frictional Pressure Drops Modeling for Helical Pipes: Comparative Evaluation of Recent Predictive Approaches over Various Geometries and Operating Conditions

Helically coiled tube heat exchangers (HCT) are recognized as promising solutions for steam generator applications in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), where compactness and high thermal performance are crucial. The complex geometry of HCTs, however, substantially increases the difficulty of accurately estimating pressure drops, particularly under two-phase flow conditions. Over the last decade, several predictive correlations have been suggested, and their applicability is often limited to specific ranges of geometry and operating pressure. The present study examines correlations proposed during the previous decade, aiming to clarify their applicability limits. Validation is carried out using experimental datasets from the literature, enabling a rigorous evaluation of predictive accuracy, robustness, and generality.