Solving Heat Transfer Problem in Rectangular Vessel

In summary, a rectangular vessel made of stainless steel is being heated by hot combustion flue gases for a heat transfer problem. The vessel is filled with reactants and the goal is to reach a minimum temperature for the reaction to proceed. The energy content of the flue gases is 12 MJ/kg and the enthalpy for the reaction of the reactants is 1 MJ/kg. The flowrate of the flue gases is 1.86 kg/hr, and the flowrate of the reactants is 3 kg/hr. It is suggested that there is sufficient energy for the reaction to proceed. However, there is uncertainty in estimating the heat loss through the vessel wall due to unknown temperature inside the vessel. To calculate this, the thermal
  • #1
davidgrant23
22
0
Hi all,

I am currently considering a heat transfer problem. In this problem a rectangular vessel made of stainless steel is heated by a surrounding jacket with hot combustion flue gases flowing through it. This means that the heating of the rectangular vessel is achieved primarily through conductive heat transfer through the outer wall of the vessel. The vessel is filled with reactants with the hope of raising the temperature inside the vessel to a minimum temp required for reaction to proceed. What I am trying to calculate is whether the energy required for the reaction to proceed can be provided by the hot gases circulating the vessel, and what the temperature inside the vessel would be?

Now, the energy content of the hot flue gases is 12 MJ/kg, while the enthalpy for reaction of the reactants is 1 MJ/kg. The flowrate of the flue gases is 1.86 kg/hr, which corresponds to 0.006 MW. The flowrate of the reactants is 3 kg/hr, which means that the 0.0009 MW is required for the reaction to proceed. This suggested that there is sufficient energy for the reaction to proceed.

What I am unsure to do however is to estimate the heat loss by conduction through the vessel wall, as I do not know what the temperature inside the vessel is. How do I estimate/calculate the temperature inside the vessel in order to calculate the heat loss? I can assume that the temperature of the hot gases is 1473 K, the heat transfer area is 0.3 m^2, the length is 1.5 m, the thickness is 0.003 m, and the thermal conductivity is 25 W/mK.

Cheers,
Dave
 
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  • #2
davidgrant23 said:
What I am unsure to do however is to estimate the heat loss by conduction through the vessel wall, as I do not know what the temperature inside the vessel is. How do I estimate/calculate the temperature inside the vessel in order to calculate the heat loss? I can assume that the temperature of the hot gases is 1473 K, the heat transfer area is 0.3 m^2, the length is 1.5 m, the thickness is 0.003 m, and the thermal conductivity is 25 W/mK.
I'm not following: if the vessel is jacketed, it is gaining heat through the wall, not losing it, right?
 
  • #3
russ_watters said:
I'm not following: if the vessel is jacketed, it is gaining heat through the wall, not losing it, right?

Hi Russ, yes you are right. My fault there.
 
  • #4
If you are going to do this right, you need to take into account the kinetics of the reaction. Any info about that?
 
  • #5
Chestermiller said:
If you are going to do this right, you need to take into account the kinetics of the reaction. Any info about that?

The actual reaction that we are trying to achieve is pyrolysis. The biomass, which is situated inside the vessel, is heated to elevated temperatures where it undergoes thermal decomposition to give various solid, condensable, and non-condensable products. Given the complexity of the pyrolysis reaction, I would only be able to provide rough estimates from literature values.
 
  • #6
+1 but perhaps start by assuming steady state...

You appear to be able to calculate the power leaving the vessel via the reaction products. To calculate the temperature gradient between gas and reactants you would also need to know the thermal conductivity between the two. Might be able to measure that at lower temperatures.
 
  • #7
CWatters said:
+1 but perhaps start by assuming steady state...

You appear to be able to calculate the power leaving the vessel via the reaction products. To calculate the temperature gradient between gas and reactants you would also need to know the thermal conductivity between the two. Might be able to measure that at lower temperatures.

Hi there, are you referring to the thermal conductivity of the wall? I have assumed a value of 25 W/mK for stainless steel. I can also assume an air boundary on either side of the wall. This allows me to calculate Q = k*A*(dT/x), where x is the thickness. What I am unsure of is how to interpret the value from this calculation to calculate the T inside the reactor. In order to use the previous equation I have to assume a temperature on the other side of the wall anyway.
 
  • #8
davidgrant23 said:
Hi there, are you referring to the thermal conductivity of the wall? I have assumed a value of 25 W/mK for stainless steel. I can also assume an air boundary on either side of the wall. This allows me to calculate Q = k*A*(dT/x), where x is the thickness. What I am unsure of is how to interpret the value from this calculation to calculate the T inside the reactor. In order to use the previous equation I have to assume a temperature on the other side of the wall anyway.
Rearrange to get dT. The inside is that much cooler than the outside temperature.
 
  • #9
CWatters said:
Rearrange to get dT. The inside is that much cooler than the outside temperature.

In order to do this I would need to know Q, which in this case is the heat transfer by conduction. All I know in this problem is the dimensions and material of the wall separating the two regions, the power of the flow in the hot zone (W), and the power required for the reaction (W) from calculating the enthalpy of reaction and the flowrate.

I just want to clarify that this is not a homework problem. I am considering a real world problem and may be missing some necessary information to calculate the inside temperature.
 
  • #10
davidgrant23 said:
In order to do this I would need to know Q, which in this case is the heat transfer by conduction.

I thought you might calculate that from info about the reactants..

davidgrant23 said:
Now, the energy content of the hot flue gases is 12 MJ/kg, while the enthalpy for reaction of the reactants is 1 MJ/kg. The flowrate of the flue gases is 1.86 kg/hr, which corresponds to 0.006 MW. The flowrate of the reactants is 3 kg/hr, which means that the 0.0009 MW is required for the reaction to proceed.

but I think you would also need to know the flow and return temperature of the reactants and their specific heat capacity.
 
  • #11
Is this a batch process, or a continuous flow process? What is the composition of the flue gas? Can you please provide a diagram of the system?
 

1. What is heat transfer and why is it important to solve in a rectangular vessel?

Heat transfer is the process of thermal energy moving from one object to another. It is important to solve in a rectangular vessel because it affects the temperature distribution and overall efficiency of the vessel, which can impact the performance and safety of any processes taking place within it.

2. How do you determine the heat transfer coefficient in a rectangular vessel?

The heat transfer coefficient can be determined by conducting experiments or using mathematical models to analyze factors such as the material properties, fluid flow, and geometry of the vessel. It can also be estimated using correlations or empirical data.

3. What challenges may arise when solving heat transfer problems in a rectangular vessel?

Some challenges that may arise include accurately modeling the complex geometry of the vessel, accounting for different types of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), and considering any external factors such as insulation or external heat sources.

4. What are some common methods for solving heat transfer problems in a rectangular vessel?

Some common methods include analytical solutions, numerical methods (such as finite difference or finite element analysis), and experimental techniques (such as temperature measurements or flow visualization).

5. How can solving heat transfer problems in a rectangular vessel be useful in real-world applications?

Solving heat transfer problems in a rectangular vessel can be useful in a variety of industries, such as chemical processing, energy production, and manufacturing. It can help improve the design and efficiency of vessels, optimize processes, and ensure safe and reliable operation.

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