AdvancedTopic 93 of 105Thermodynamics & Fluids

Heat exchangers

Transfer heat between fluids; parallel and counterflow arrangements.

In depth

Heat exchangers transfer heat between fluids without mixing: shell-and-tube, plate, finned tube, double-pipe. Flow arrangements: parallel, counterflow (most effective), cross-flow. Q=UAΔT_lm. Fouling adds resistance; pressure drop determines pumping power.

Key points

  • Overall U
  • Effectiveness
  • Compact designs for gases
Example

A car radiator is a cross-flow finned-tube exchanger.

Why it matters

Heat exchangers transfer heat between fluids without mixing them, so they are needed in nearly every process, power plant and HVAC system.

Where this is used

  • Designing a shell-and-tube exchanger to preheat feedwater.
  • Choosing a plate heat exchanger for a food process.
  • Specifying an intercooler for a compressor with counterflow.

Frequently asked questions

What is Heat exchangers?

Transfer heat between fluids; parallel and counterflow arrangements.

Why is it important to understand heat exchangers?

Heat exchangers transfer heat between fluids without mixing them, so they are needed in nearly every process, power plant and HVAC system.

What is the difference between parallel and counterflow exchangers?

In counterflow the outlet of the cold fluid can approach the inlet temperature of the hot fluid, which gives higher effectiveness.

Why are most exchangers counterflow?

Counterflow gives the greatest temperature driving force along the length, so it transfers more heat for the same area.

How is Heat exchangers used in practice?

Typical applications include designing a shell-and-tube exchanger to preheat feedwater, choosing a plate heat exchanger for a food process and specifying an intercooler for a compressor with counterflow.

What should I learn before Heat exchangers?

Study "Transient conduction" first (topic 92 of 105 in Thermodynamics & Fluids). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.

What are the key points of Heat exchangers?

Overall U. Effectiveness. Compact designs for gases.

Can you give an example of Heat exchangers?

A car radiator is a cross-flow finned-tube exchanger.

What comes after Heat exchangers?

The next topic is "LMTD and NTU methods", which builds directly on this one.

How difficult is Heat exchangers?

It is classed as Advanced in Thermodynamics & Fluids (topic 93 of 105). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Thermodynamics & Fluids.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.

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