Heat Conduction through Carbon Steel Pipe

In summary, In order to calculate the distance a carbon steel pipe will need to cool to 790C, you would need to break the pipe into short lengths and calculate the heat transfer between each short length.
  • #1
fujifilm6502002
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I am not sure how to approach this problem. If you have a carbon steel pipe that is being heated on one end at a constant temperature of 1500C. Can you figure out how much distance in pipe will it require before it cools to 790C? The thermal conductivity of Carbon steel is 54 W/mk. Another situation is what if there is insulations on top of the carbon steel, what will happen in that situation. I am pretty sure with insulation the length of the pipe will increase to reaches 790C.
 
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  • #2
Hi fujifilm. The way I've done this in the past is to break up the pipe into short lengths and analyze each short length independently. There's convective heat transfer removing heat from the pipe and thermal conduction along the length. As heat is removed from convection, the pipe gets cooler. But the cooler it gets per unit length, the higher the thermal conduction. So there's an equilibrium between the two you're searching for.

Try setting up a spreadsheet where each row does the calculations for a very short section of pipe. Every row will be identical, and will be hinged on the previous row. Hope that makes sense.
 
  • #3
I was wondering what do you mean break up the pipe into short length and analyze each short length mean? I was wondering what method did you use as in terms of equations and theory involved.
 
  • #4
fujifilm6502002 said:
I was wondering what do you mean break up the pipe into short length and analyze each short length mean? I was wondering what method did you use as in terms of equations and theory involved.
Are you familiar with how to calculate heat transfer due to convection and conduction?
 
  • #5
I am familiar with with heat transfer calculations by conduction and convection. I guess my confusion is to the assumption that should be made. In this problem I understand that the amount of energy transfer through the pipe using conduction is related to this equation where q=-K(dT/dx) and the equation for convection is q=hA(T1-T2). How can i apply these equations to calculate distance between two temperatures?
 

1. What is heat conduction and how does it apply to carbon steel pipe?

Heat conduction is the transfer of thermal energy from a hotter object to a colder object. In the context of carbon steel pipe, heat conduction refers to the transfer of heat energy through the pipe material. This is important in various industrial applications where heat needs to be transferred from one location to another.

2. How does the thickness of the carbon steel pipe affect heat conduction?

The thickness of the carbon steel pipe can greatly affect heat conduction. Thicker pipes have a lower thermal conductivity, meaning they transfer heat at a slower rate. Thinner pipes, on the other hand, have a higher thermal conductivity and transfer heat more quickly. Therefore, the thickness of the pipe must be carefully considered for efficient heat conduction.

3. Is carbon steel an effective material for heat conduction?

Yes, carbon steel is a commonly used material for heat conduction. It has a high thermal conductivity, meaning it can efficiently transfer heat energy. Additionally, carbon steel is a strong and durable material, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

4. Can factors such as temperature and pressure affect heat conduction through carbon steel pipe?

Yes, temperature and pressure can greatly affect heat conduction through carbon steel pipe. Higher temperatures can increase the rate of heat transfer, while higher pressures can decrease the rate of heat transfer. It is important to consider these factors when designing and using carbon steel pipes for heat conduction.

5. Are there any limitations to heat conduction through carbon steel pipe?

There are some limitations to heat conduction through carbon steel pipe. One limitation is the potential for heat loss through the pipe walls, which can occur if the pipe is not properly insulated. Additionally, the length and diameter of the pipe can affect the overall efficiency of heat conduction. Proper design and maintenance can help minimize these limitations.

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