Calculating Heat Transfer in a Tube and Shell Exercise

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework exercise related to calculating heat transfer in a tube and shell system. Participants explore various aspects of heat transfer coefficients, overall heat transfer calculations, and the implications of multiple pipes in parallel on the analysis.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents initial calculations for heat transfer coefficients and log mean temperature, seeking validation for their approach.
  • Another participant suggests that the Dittus-Boelter equation does not need to be reapplied for the outside heat transfer coefficient, prompting a discussion on overall heat transfer coefficient calculations.
  • Multiple participants challenge earlier calculations, particularly regarding the number of pipes and the total heat flow, leading to corrections in mass flow rates and heat transfer coefficients.
  • There is a debate about the correct method for calculating the overall heat transfer coefficient and the implications of using total flow rates for both streams.
  • Some participants provide alternative calculations for the heat transfer area and length of the pipes, with differing results based on their assumptions and methods.
  • Discrepancies in Reynolds and Prandtl numbers are discussed, with participants correcting each other's calculations and assumptions regarding fluid properties.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on several points, including the correct application of equations and the implications of having multiple pipes. There are competing views on how to approach the calculations, particularly regarding mass flow rates and heat transfer coefficients.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on assumptions about the number of pipes and their arrangement, which affects the overall heat transfer analysis. Participants express uncertainty about the correct values for certain parameters and the implications of their choices on the final results.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals interested in heat transfer calculations, particularly in tube and shell systems, as well as those looking to understand the complexities involved in multi-pipe configurations.

williamcarter
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Homework Statement


Would really appreciate if you could lend me a hand with this tube and shell exercise.[/B]
tubeandshell.JPG

m=0.24kg/s
##D=2.5*10-2m##
ρ=850 kg/m^3
cp=2000 J/kg*K
μ=2*10-4 kg/m*s
λ=0.3W/m*k

Homework Equations


Dittus-Boelter:Nu=0.023*Re0.8*Prn
where n=0.4 heating and n=0.3 for cooling, so in our case n=0.3
Log mean temp##ΔTlm=\frac {ΔT1-ΔT2} {ln(ΔT1/ΔT2)}##

The Attempt at a Solution


i)hi=?

Apply Dittus-Boelter eq Nu=0.023*Re0.8*Pr0.3
=>##\frac {h*D} {λ}##= ##0.023*(\frac {4*m} {\pi*D*μ})^{0.8}## ##* (\frac{cp*μ} {λ})^{0.3}##
We have all data from above
##h=λ*0.023*(\frac {4*0.24} {\pi*2.5*10^-2*10^-4})^{0.8}## ##* (\frac{2000*2*10^-4} {0.3})^{0.3}##
hi=50.72 W/m^2*K

ii)ΔTlm=?(log mean temp)
##ΔTlm=\frac {ΔT1-ΔT2} {ln(ΔT1/ΔT2)}##
Where ΔT1=left hand side temp diff, and ΔT2 is right hand side temp difference.
Oil is on hot side, water on cold side.
Oil:Tin=420K; Tout=320K
Water: tin=290K ,tout=?
up.png


##tcout=tcin+\frac{Qhot} {mcold*cpcold}##
##Qhot=m*cp*ΔT=0.24*2000*(420-320)##
##Qhot=48000J##
=>##tcout=290K+\frac{48000} {0.24*4180}##
=>tcout=337.84K
=>ΔT1=320-290k
ΔT1=30K

ΔT2=420-337K
ΔT2=83K
=>##ΔTlm=\frac{30-83} {ln(30/83}##
=>ΔTlm=52K

iii)ho=4.5 KW/m^2*K
L=?
I think we need to apply again Dittus-Boelter but not sure about this?
Need more hints here
 
Last edited:
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You don't need to apply Dittus-Boelter again. You know that the the inside heat transfer coefficient is 50.72 and the outside heat transfer coefficient is 4500. What is the overall heat transfer coefficient U?
 
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Chestermiller said:
You don't need to apply Dittus-Boelter again. You know that the the inside heat transfer coefficient is 50.72 and the outside heat transfer coefficient is 4500. What is the overall heat transfer coefficient U?

Are i) and ii) correct?

U=##\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##

U=##\frac{1} {1/50.72+1/4500}##

U=50.15

But how to get the length?
 
williamcarter said:
Are i) and ii) correct?

U=##\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##

U=##\frac{1} {1/50.72+1/4500}##

U=50.15

But how to get the length?
$$Q=UA(\Delta T)_{lm}$$
 
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Chestermiller said:
$$Q=UA(\Delta T)_{lm}$$
Right.

##A=\pi*D*L##
##L=\frac{A} {\pi*D}##
##A=\frac{Q} {U*ΔTlm}##
A=48000/(50.15*52.08)
A=18.37m2
##L=\frac{18.37} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}}##

L=233.99m
L~234 meters
 
Go back and recheck your analysis. There are 5 pipes, not one. This would affect your answers in parts i and iii. The total rate of heat flow should be in W, not J.
 
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Chestermiller said:
Go back and recheck your analysis. There are 5 pipes, not one. This would affect your answers in parts i and iii. The total rate of heat flow should be in W, not J.

Q=48000 W
hi=5*50.72 => ##hin=253.6 W/m^2*K ##
hout=4500 W/m^2*K
##U=\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##
##U=\frac{1} {1/253.6+1/4500}##

=>U=240.07
##A=\pi*D*L##
##L=\frac{A} {\pi*D}##
##A=\frac{Q} {U*ΔTlm}##
A=48000/(240.07*52.08)
A=3.83m2
##L=\frac{3.83} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}}##

L=48.88 m
 
williamcarter said:
Q=48000 W
hi=5*50.72 => ##hin=253.6 W/m^2*K ##
hout=4500 W/m^2*K
##U=\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##
##U=\frac{1} {1/253.6+1/4500}##

=>U=240.07
##A=\pi*D*L##
##L=\frac{A} {\pi*D}##
##A=\frac{Q} {U*ΔTlm}##
A=48000/(240.07*52.08)
A=3.83m2
##L=\frac{3.83} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}}##

L=48.88 m
This is definitely not correct. You don't just multiply the inside heat transfer coefficient by 5. Please go back and redo part (i) correctly. What should m really be in part (i)?
 
Chestermiller said:
This is definitely not correct. You don't just multiply the inside heat transfer coefficient by 5. Please go back and redo part (i) correctly. What should m really be in part (i)?

Q=48000 W
m'=5*m
where m=0.24kg/s (mass flowrate for 1 pipe)
=>m'=1.2 kg/s mass flowrate
hout=4500 W/m^2*K

##hin=0.3*0.023*(\frac{4*1.2} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}*10^{-4}})^{0.8}##*##(\frac{2000*2*10^{-4}} {0.3})^{0.3}##
=>##hin=320.07 W/m^2*K##

##U=\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##
##U=\frac{1} {1/320.07+1/4500}##

=>U=298.81

##A=\pi*D*L##
##L=\frac{A} {\pi*D}##
##A=\frac{Q} {U*ΔTlm}##
A=48000/(298.81*52.08)
A=3.08m2
##L=\frac{3.08} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}}##

L=39.27 m
 
  • #10
m'=m/5=0.048
 
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  • #11
Chestermiller said:
m'=m/5=0.048
Thank you.
I assume that's because the pipes are in parallel and all identical
hence m'=m/5
 
  • #12
williamcarter said:
Thank you.
I assume that's because the pipes are in parallel and all identical
hence m'=m/5
Sure.
 
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  • #13
Chestermiller said:
m'=m/5=0.048
so m'=0.048

=>##hin=0.3*0.023*(\frac {4*0.048} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}*10^{-4}})^{0.8}## *##(\frac {2000*2*10^{-4}} {0.3})^{0.3}##
hin=24.38 W/m2*K
hout=4500 W/m2*K

U=1/(1/hi+1/ho)=>U=1/(1(24.38)+1/(4500))
U=24.23

for Area
williamcarter said:
A=##\frac{Q} {U*ΔTlm}##

##A=\frac{48000} {24.23*52.08}##

A=38.03 m2
##L=\frac{A} {\pi*D}##

##L=\frac{38.03} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}}##

=>L=484.31 m

Is this correct?
 
Last edited:
  • #14
williamcarter said:
so m'=0.048

=>##hin=0.3*0.023*(\frac {4*0.048} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}*10^{-4}})^{0.8}## *##(\frac {2000*2*10^{-4}} {0.3})^{0.3}##
hin=24.38 W/m2*K
hout=4500 W/m2*K

U=1/(1/hi+1/ho)=>U=1/(1(24.38)+1/(4500))
U=24.23

for Area##A=\frac{48000} {24.23*52.08}##

A=38.03 m2
##L=\frac{A} {\pi*D}##

##L=\frac{38.03} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}}##

=>L=484.31 m

Is this correct?
No. The heat transfer area is ##5\pi DL##
 
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  • #15
Chestermiller said:
No. The heat transfer area is ##5\pi DL##
Thank you for your answer
##A=\frac{48000} {24.23*52.08}##

A=38.03 m2

##A=5*\pi*D*L##

=>##L=\frac {A} {5*\pi*D}##

##L=\frac {38.03} {5*\pi*25*10^{-2}}##

L=96.86 m
 
  • #16
I get Re = 10186, Pr = 1.6, Nu = 42.6, and ##h_{in}=511##
 
  • #17
Chestermiller said:
I get Re = 10186, Pr = 1.6, Nu = 42.6, and ##h_{in}=511##

I did ##Re=\frac {4*m'} {\pi*D*μ}##

##Re=\frac {4*0.24/5} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}*2*10^{-4}}##

this gave me Re=12223

for Prandlt I did
##Pr=\frac {cp*μ} {λ}##
##Pr=\frac {2000*2*10^{-4}} {0.3}##
this gave me Pr=1.3
 
  • #18
williamcarter said:
I did ##Re=\frac {4*m'} {\pi*D*μ}##

##Re=\frac {4*0.24/5} {\pi*2.5*10^{-2}*2*10^{-4}}##

this gave me Re=12223

for Prandlt I did
##Pr=\frac {cp*μ} {λ}##
##Pr=\frac {2000*2*10^{-4}} {0.3}##
this gave me Pr=1.3
OK. I mistakenly used ##\mu=2.4\times 10^{-4}##.
What about hin. It looks like you forgot to divide by the diameter. I get 560 now.
 
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  • #19
Chestermiller said:
OK. I mistakenly used ##\mu=2.4\times 10^{-4}##.
What about hin. It looks like you forgot to divide by the diameter. I get 560 now.
Thank you, yes indeed hi=560. W/m2*K

for ii) I did like this
Qh=mhot*cphot*ΔT=0.24/5*2000*(420-320)
Qh=9600W
##Tcout=Tcin+\frac{Qh} {mcold*cpcold}##
##Tcout=290+\frac{9600} {0.24/5*4180}##
=>Tcout=337.84K

##ΔTlm=\frac{ΔT1-ΔT2} {ln(ΔT1/ΔT2)}##
##ΔTlm=\frac{30-83} {ln(30/83)}##
=>ΔTlm=52.08K

for iii)
ho=4500W/m2*K
hi=560 W/m2*K from i)

##U=\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##
##U=\frac{1} {1/560+1/4500}##

U=497

##Q=U*A*ΔTlm##

=>##A=\frac {Q} {U*ΔTlm}##

##A=\frac {9600} {497*52.08}##

=>A=0.370m m2

but ##A=\pi*D*L##

so ##L=\frac {A} {\pi*D}##

##L=\frac {0.370} {\pi*10^{-1}}##

=>L=1.18mI would really appreciate it if you could tell me if what I did is correct.

Thank you very much in advance.
 
Last edited:
  • #20
williamcarter said:
Thank you, yes indeed hi=560. W/m2*K

for ii) I did like this
Qh=mhot*cphot*ΔT=0.24/5*2000*(420-320)
Qh=9600W
##Tcout=Tcin+\frac{Qh} {mcold*cpcold}##
##Tcout=290+\frac{9600} {0.24/5*4180}##
=>Tcout=337.84K

##ΔTlm=\frac{ΔT1-ΔT2} {ln(ΔT1/ΔT2)}##
##ΔTlm=\frac{30-83} {ln(30/83)}##
=>ΔTlm=52.08K

for iii)
ho=4500W/m2*K
hi=560 W/m2*K from i)

##U=\frac{1} {1/hi+1/ho}##
##U=\frac{1} {1/560+1/4500}##

U=497

##Q=U*A*ΔTlm##

=>##A=\frac {Q} {U*ΔTlm}##

##A=\frac {9600} {497*52.08}##

=>A=0.370m m2

but ##A=\pi*D*L##

so ##L=\frac {A} {\pi*D}##

##L=\frac {0.370} {\pi*10^{-1}}##

=>L=1.18mI would really appreciate it if you could tell me if what I did is correct.

Thank you very much in advance.
In part (ii), I would use the total flow rate for both streams. And, in part (iii), I would use that total heat load 9600 x 5 and the total area 5 pi D L. I know that answer comes out the same both ways, but that's how I would do it.
 
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