AdvancedTopic 94 of 105Thermodynamics & Fluids
LMTD and NTU methods
Design and rating methods for heat exchangers.
In depth
LMTD: ΔT_lm=(ΔT₁-ΔT₂)/ln(ΔT₁/ΔT₂) when inlet and outlet temperatures known. ε-NTU method uses NTU=UA/C_min and effectiveness ε=Q/Q_max when outlet temperatures unknown. Correction factors F for multi-pass and cross-flow.
Key points
- Counterflow maximises ΔT_lm
- C_r=C_min/C_max
- Charts or formulas
ExampleA counterflow exchanger with NTU=3 has effectiveness about 0.95 at C_r=1.
What is LMTD and NTU methods?
Design and rating methods for heat exchangers.
Why is it important to understand LMTD and NTU methods?
The LMTD and NTU methods are the standard design and rating tools for heat exchangers, so they determine the size of any exchanger.
What is the LMTD?
The log mean temperature difference, a driving force averaged along the exchanger that is used with the overall heat transfer coefficient.
When is NTU useful?
When outlet temperatures are unknown, as in rating problems, because effectiveness can be found from NTU and the capacity ratio.
How is LMTD and NTU methods used in practice?
Typical applications include sizing the area of an exchanger for a required heat duty, rating an existing exchanger to see if it will meet a new process condition and checking whether an exchanger with a given area will reach a target outlet temperature.
What should I learn before LMTD and NTU methods?
Study "Heat exchangers" first (topic 93 of 105 in Thermodynamics & Fluids). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of LMTD and NTU methods?
Counterflow maximises ΔT_lm. C_r=C_min/C_max. Charts or formulas.
Can you give an example of LMTD and NTU methods?
A counterflow exchanger with NTU=3 has effectiveness about 0.95 at C_r=1.
What comes after LMTD and NTU methods?
The next topic is "Boiling and condensation", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is LMTD and NTU methods?
It is classed as Advanced in Thermodynamics & Fluids (topic 94 of 105). It is an advanced topic. It assumes you are comfortable with the intermediate topics in Thermodynamics & Fluids.