1. What is a Heat Exchanger Area Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the required heat transfer area based on heat duty, overall heat transfer coefficient, and log mean temperature difference.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine the necessary surface area for heat exchangers in various industrial applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental heat exchanger equation:

Where:

• \( A \) — Heat transfer area (square meters)
• \( Q \) — Heat duty (Watts)
• \( U \) — Overall heat transfer coefficient (W/m² K)
• \( LMTD \) — Log mean temperature difference (Kelvin)

Explanation: The heat duty is divided by the product of the heat transfer coefficient and temperature difference to determine the required surface area.

3. Importance of Heat Exchanger Area Calculation

Details: Proper area calculation ensures efficient heat transfer, optimal equipment sizing, and cost-effective heat exchanger design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat duty in Watts, overall heat transfer coefficient (default 500 W/m² K), and LMTD (default 20 K). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is LMTD?
A: Log Mean Temperature Difference is the driving force for heat transfer in heat exchangers, calculated from the inlet and outlet temperatures.

Q2: What's a typical U value?
A: U values vary widely (50-1000 W/m² K) depending on fluids and exchanger type. Water-water exchangers typically range 300-700 W/m² K.

Q3: How do I find the heat duty (Q)?
A: Q can be calculated as mass flow rate × specific heat × temperature change of either fluid stream.

Q4: Does this work for all exchanger types?
A: This basic formula works for counterflow and parallel flow exchangers. Special corrections are needed for other configurations.

Q5: Should I include fouling factors?
A: Fouling factors should be accounted for in the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) value used in calculations.