Fundamentals of Heat Exchanger Theory and Design

Heat exchanger theory leads to the heat exchanger design equation that relates the overall heat transfer coefficient, heat transfer surface area, and log mean temperature difference to the rate of heat transfer. This heat exchanger design equation is used to find the area needed for heat exchangers.

• Introduction

  The heat exchanger design equation can be used to calculate the required heat transfer surface area for a variety of specified fluids, inlet and outlet temperatures and types and configurations of heat exchangers, including counterflow or parallel flow. A value is needed for the overall heat transfer coefficient for the given heat exchanger, fluids, and temperatures. Heat exchanger calculations could be made for the required heat transfer area, or the rate of heat transfer for a heat exchanger of given area.

Introduction To Heat Exchangers

Introduction

Heat exchangers are found in most chemical or mechanical systems. They serve as the system's means of gaining or rejecting heat. Some of the more common applications are found in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, radiators on internal combustion engines, boilers, condensers, and as preheaters or coolers in fluid systems. This chapter will review some specific heat exchanger applications. The intent is to provide several specific examples of how each heat exchanger functions in the system, not to cover every possible application.