Heat transfer problem - not given tube thickness

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SUMMARY

The heat transfer problem involves a 5 cm external diameter tubing with a superficial temperature of 200°C and a boundary temperature of 20°C, alongside a convective heat transfer coefficient of 3.0 W/m²°C. The heat loss can be calculated using the equation q = U*A*(T1-T2), where U is the overall heat transfer coefficient. The absence of the thermal conductivity (k) value and the tube thickness complicates the calculation, but it can be addressed by using the heat transfer coefficient for copper and focusing on the external surface area for heat loss calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of heat transfer principles, specifically conduction and convection.
  • Familiarity with the equations for heat transfer, including q = U*A*(T1-T2).
  • Knowledge of thermal conductivity values for materials, particularly copper.
  • Ability to calculate surface area for cylindrical objects.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal conductivity values for various materials, focusing on metals like copper.
  • Learn how to calculate the external surface area of a cylinder.
  • Study the principles of forced and natural convection in heat transfer.
  • Explore the effects of insulation and radiation on heat transfer in high-temperature applications.
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, thermal analysts, and students studying heat transfer who need to solve practical problems involving heat loss in tubing systems.

CatRunner
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Homework Statement



We have 5 cm of external diametre tubing with 200*C of superficial temperature. The boundary temperature is 20*C and the convective heat transfer coefficient is 3.0 W/m^2*C

What is the heat loss


Homework Equations



q = U*A*(T1-T2)

1/U = 1/h1 + [r1 * ln (r2/r1)]/k1 + r1/r2*h2

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, my problem is that I don't have a k value for the tubing, nor do I have the thickness of the tubing (or alternately, an inside and outside diametre). The only information I have is given (outside diametre, two temperatures, and the convective heat transfer coefficient).

I just have no idea how to tackle this without a k value or a tube/pipe thickness.

Thanks for any assistance
 
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CatRunner said:

Homework Statement



We have 5 cm of external diametre tubing with 200*C of superficial temperature. The boundary temperature is 20*C and the convective heat transfer coefficient is 3.0 W/m^2*C

What is the heat loss

Homework Equations



q = U*A*(T1-T2)

1/U = 1/h1 + [r1 * ln (r2/r1)]/k1 + r1/r2*h2

The Attempt at a Solution



Okay, my problem is that I don't have a k value for the tubing, nor do I have the thickness of the tubing (or alternately, an inside and outside diametre). The only information I have is given (outside diametre, two temperatures, and the convective heat transfer coefficient).

I just have no idea how to tackle this without a k value or a tube/pipe thickness.

Thanks for any assistance

You have all you need to solve this with the Heat Transfer Coefficient value for copper (h)
h = q / A* delta T

h = cal/sec/M2 * C
q = cal /sec
A = external surface area
delta T
So q = h * A * delta T
 
Last edited:
This problem brings up a good practical point. For most (but not all) heat transfer problems involving pipes (especially metal pipes), the conduction resistance of the pipe or tube wall is small compared to the convection resistance inside and outside the tube and may be ignored.

Ofter, the interior heat transfer is forced convection and the exterior is natural convection and you can apply suitable correlations. In addition, if the temperatures are high, insulation is added and radiation heat transfer is important. Other times, the pipe is sitting in the sun and you account for the energy absorbed.

Anyway, this will all make more sense as you study heat transfer. It is an interesting and practical subject.
 

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