Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference (LMTD) in the context of a counter flow heat exchanger. Participants explore the appropriate temperature streams to use in the calculation and clarify the definition of LMTD.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about which temperature streams to use for calculating the LMTD, suggesting a formula but questioning the definition of the term.
  • Another participant provides a resource link that may clarify the definitions related to LMTD in the context of a counter flow heat exchanger.
  • One participant confirms that the initial calculation method proposed is correct, indicating that the confusion may not be warranted.
  • A participant raises a concern about the potential for obtaining a negative logarithm if the calculation is done incorrectly, questioning how to approach the calculation in such a case.
  • Further clarification is provided that the calculation involves taking the hot temperature minus the cold temperature at both ends of the heat exchanger.
  • A later reply indicates that the participant has resolved their confusion after the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method for calculating LMTD, but there remains some uncertainty regarding the definitions and the implications of negative logarithms in the calculation process.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a lack of clarity in the definition of LMTD and the specific temperatures to be used, which may depend on the context of the heat exchanger configuration.

member 392791

Homework Statement


Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I am confused as to which streams I should use for the log mean temperature difference. I am pretty sure it should be the difference in temperature between the two streams on the same side, so I think it's

(700-450)-(1100-960) / ln [(700-450)/(1100-960)], but I am not sure.

The term wasn't well defined, and my search on wikipedia gave the definition as ''The LMTD is a logarithmic average of the temperature difference between the hot and cold streams at each end of the exchanger.''

This is too vague, which end of the exchanger??
 

Attachments

  • Log Mean Temperature.jpg
    Log Mean Temperature.jpg
    4.3 KB · Views: 914
Physics news on Phys.org
The way you calculated it is correct. You are not confused about it after all.

Chet
 
I am confused, because the only reason I know it had to be that was because I would get a negative logarithm if I did it the other way. Suppose it was such that I didn't get a negative number in the logarithm either way that I subtracted it, then how would I do it??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Read the attachment to Post #2.
 
Woopydalan said:
I am confused, because the only reason I know it had to be that was because I would get a negative logarithm if I did it the other way. Suppose it was such that I didn't get a negative number in the logarithm either way that I subtracted it, then how would I do it??

You take hot temperature minus cold temperature at one end of the heat exchanger, and hot temperature minus cold temperature at the other end of the heat exchanger. How you do things after that doesn't matter.
 
Okay great, I have convinced myself of that now. Thank you!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 78 ·
3
Replies
78
Views
5K
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K