Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Calculator

Heat Transfer Formula:

\[ Q = U \times A \times LMTD \]

Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (U):

W/m² K

Heat Transfer Area (A):

m²

Log Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD):

Heat Transfer Rate (Q): W

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1. What is a Shell Tube Heat Exchanger Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the heat transfer rate in shell and tube heat exchangers using the fundamental heat transfer equation.

Purpose: It helps engineers and technicians determine the thermal performance of heat exchangers for design and analysis purposes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Q = U \times A \times LMTD \]

Where:

\( Q \) — Heat transfer rate (Watts)
\( U \) — Overall heat transfer coefficient (W/m² K)
\( A \) — Heat transfer area (m²)
\( LMTD \) — Log mean temperature difference (K)

Explanation: The heat transfer rate is calculated by multiplying the overall heat transfer coefficient by the heat transfer area and the log mean temperature difference.

3. Importance of Heat Exchanger Calculations

Details: Accurate heat transfer calculations ensure proper heat exchanger sizing, energy efficiency, and process temperature control in industrial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the U-value (typically 300-1000 W/m² K for water-water systems), heat transfer area, and LMTD. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is LMTD and how is it calculated?
A: LMTD (Log Mean Temperature Difference) is the driving force for heat transfer, calculated as: \[ LMTD = \frac{ΔT_1 - ΔT_2}{\ln(ΔT_1/ΔT_2)} \] where ΔT₁ and ΔT₂ are the temperature differences at each end.

Q2: What are typical U values for shell and tube heat exchangers?
A: U values vary widely: 300-1000 W/m² K for liquid-liquid, 30-300 W/m² K for gas-liquid, and 5-50 W/m² K for gas-gas systems.

Q3: How do I determine the heat transfer area?
A: Area depends on tube dimensions and count: \( A = π \times D \times L \times N \), where D is tube diameter, L is length, and N is number of tubes.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for other heat exchanger types?
A: The basic equation applies to all heat exchangers, but LMTD correction factors are needed for non-countercurrent flow arrangements.

Q5: What factors affect the U value?
A: U depends on fluid properties, flow rates, fouling factors, and materials of construction. It's often determined experimentally or from correlations.