Adiabatic heat exchanger problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem involving an adiabatic heat exchanger where propane gas and superheated steam interact. Participants explore how to set up the problem, calculate mass flow rates, and apply relevant thermodynamic principles.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how to set up the problem and calculate the mass of steam needed, asking for guidance.
  • Another participant suggests using steam tables and heat balances, proposing equations involving specific heat and enthalpy to relate the mass flow rates of steam and propane.
  • A later reply clarifies that the heat exchanger transfers energy from the hot fluid (steam) to the cold fluid (propane), emphasizing the relationship between energy changes in both fluids.
  • There is a mention of the Joules-Thompson effect, though its relevance to the problem is not fully explored.
  • Participants engage in a light-hearted exchange about terminology and clarity in their explanations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to apply heat balance principles, but there is some confusion regarding the specifics of the calculations and the terminology used. No consensus is reached on the best approach to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the use of steam tables and specific heat values, indicating a reliance on external resources for accurate data. The discussion does not resolve how to specifically calculate the mass of steam required.

Who May Find This Useful

Students working on thermodynamics and heat exchanger problems, particularly those involving adiabatic processes and energy balances.

marialo
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Adiabatic heat exchanger problem... Please Help!

I have this proplem as a homework assignment and I'm a bit stuck as houw to set it up. Here it is:

Propane gas enters a continuous adiabatic heat exchanger at 40 degrees C and 250 kPa and exits at 240 degrees C. Superheated steam at 300 degrees C and 5.0 bar enters the exchanger flowing countercurrent,y to the propane and exits as a saturated liquid at the same pressure.

I know how to draw the process flowchart, but the problem also asks to include in the labeling the mass of the steam fed (kg). I have no idea how to figure this out. Is it in some table, or chart?

Please Help, 'cause i am stumped!

-Thanks in advance...
 
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Adiabatic heat exchanger

Couple of questions for you: Do you own a copy of the si steam tables? Are you familiar with heat balances?

Ok, i will try and point you in the right direction .

Q= Of the steam = Q of the water

Thus Q=McpDT m= mass of water/steam Kg Cp=Specific heat Dt= (Outlet Temp - Inlet)

So call steam 1 and Water 2

M1*cP*DT1=M2*cp*DT2

OR we can say that Q=m*Hf-Hg and take the data from the steam tables for steam as we know the conditions in and out! once we know Q ofcourse...lol ( H is Empalthy)

Good luck , hope this is some help...half asleep so probs wrote crap! lol :smile:
 
i didn't mean water i meant propane...lol
 
The problem seems to relate to the Joules-Thompson effect...
 
"adiabatic heat exchanger" implies the heat is transferred from the hot fluid to the cold fluid. The change in energy of the hot fluid = change in energy of the cold fluid, or rather rate of energy transfer from the hot fluid = rate of energy transfer to the cold fluid.

[tex]\dot{m_h}\,c_p_h\,\Delta{T_h}[/tex] = [tex]\dot{m_c}\,c_p_c\,\Delta{T_c}[/tex] where h and c are hot and cold, [tex]\dot{m}[/tex] is mass flow rate, cp is specific heat and [tex]\Delta{T}[/tex] is the change in temperature. Or instead of [tex]c_p\,\DeltaT[/tex], one could use the change in specific enthalphy directly, which one can find in a thermodynamic table as a funtion of temperature and pressure for the given fluid.
 
Thats what i said...lol, but in laymen terms! :P
 

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