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The purpose of this paper is to update a previous review work (Abu-khader, 2006, Heat & Mass Transfer, Vol. 43 No. 2, pp. 123-134) and highlight the new research methods on the use of twisted tapes and the application of different configurations of these tape inserts. Also, based on a vast collection of experimental data in open literature, generalized Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (f) correlations as the function of twist ratio were developed with maximum error around ± 15 per cent. The present paper examines several case studies which apply complex configurations of twisted inserts.

Using the developed correlations, an equivalent Nusselt number and friction factor of typical type twist insert were generated which achieved the same performance of each complex configuration.

The open literature contains large number of wired and complex configurations of twisted tape inserts. Their applicability to real industrial use is questionable.

This paper presents an up-to-date review on the use of twisted tape in research, highlights the different tape configurations and proposes general correlations for traditional twisted tape inserts.