Heat Transfer Equation:
From: | To: |
The bath heat exchanger calculation determines the heat transfer rate in bath-type heat exchangers using the fundamental heat transfer equation. This is essential for designing and analyzing thermal systems in various industrial applications.
The calculator uses the heat transfer equation:
Where:
Explanation: This equation calculates the rate of heat transfer through a heat exchanger surface, considering the temperature driving force and the thermal resistance of the system.
Details: Accurate heat transfer calculations are crucial for designing efficient heat exchangers, optimizing energy consumption, ensuring proper sizing of equipment, and maintaining process temperature control in industrial applications.
Tips: Enter the overall heat transfer coefficient in W/m²K, heat transfer area in m², and log mean temperature difference in K. All values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the overall heat transfer coefficient (U)?
A: The overall heat transfer coefficient represents the total thermal resistance of the heat exchanger, including conduction through walls and convection on both fluid sides.
Q2: How is log mean temperature difference calculated?
A: For counter-current flow, ΔT_lm = (ΔT1 - ΔT2) / ln(ΔT1/ΔT2), where ΔT1 and ΔT2 are temperature differences at each end of the exchanger.
Q3: What factors affect the U value?
A: Fluid properties, flow rates, fouling factors, material thermal conductivity, and heat exchanger geometry all influence the overall heat transfer coefficient.
Q4: When is this equation applicable?
A: This equation applies to steady-state heat transfer in bath-type heat exchangers with constant fluid properties and no phase change.
Q5: What are typical U values for bath heat exchangers?
A: U values typically range from 100-1000 W/m²K depending on the fluids involved, with water-to-water systems having higher values than gas-to-gas systems.