Temperature & Heat: A 2m Steam Pipe Cylinder

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving heat transfer through cylindrical layers of insulation surrounding a steam pipe. The steam pipe operates at a temperature of 140 degrees Celsius, while the outer surface is in contact with air at 15 degrees Celsius. The problem requires determining the temperature at the interface of two insulating materials and the total rate of heat transfer from the pipe.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of heat transfer formulas, particularly questioning how to handle different thicknesses of insulating materials. There is a focus on the need for a proper understanding of temperature gradients in cylindrical shells and the implications for heat flow.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to apply relevant formulas and concepts, with some participants suggesting the use of differential equations to derive expressions for heat transfer. There is acknowledgment of the complexity introduced by varying radii and the need for careful consideration of temperature differences across materials.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of assuming a linear temperature gradient due to the geometry of the problem. The discussion also highlights the importance of maintaining consistent heat flow across different layers of insulation.

adrian116
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the question is that:
A steam pipe with a radius of 2.00cm, carrying steam at 140 degree celsius, is surrounded by a cylindrical jacket with inner and outer radii 2cm and 4cm and made of a type of cork with thermal conductivity 4x10^(-2) W/m K. This in turn is surrounded by a cylindrical jacket made of a brand of Styrofoam with thermal conductivity 1x10^(-2) W/m K and having inner and outer radii 4 cm and 6 cm. The outer suface of the Styrofoam is in contact with air at 15 degree celsius. Assume that this outer surface has a timperature of 15 degree celsius.
a) What is the timperature at a radius of 4 cm, where the two isulating layers meet?
b) What is the total rate of transfer of heat out of a 2 m length of pipe?

thx of attention
 
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It is necessary to apply the formula H=kA(T2-T1)/L
(T2 is higher temperature, T1 is lower temperature)

but the temperature at 2cm and 4cm is different ,
i can't apply this formula directly...
what formula should be used to work out the temperature
of the same material but different thickness.
 
adrian116 said:
It is necessary to apply the formula H=kA(T2-T1)/L
(T2 is higher temperature, T1 is lower temperature)

but the temperature at 2cm and 4cm is different ,
i can't apply this formula directly...
what formula should be used to work out the temperature
of the same material but different thickness.

The formula is correct, but you must be aware that you cannot assume a linear temperature gradient here because the area through which heat flows varies with the radius.

Do you know how to solve a first order differential equation?

In a cylindrical shell (annulus) of length L, thermal conductivity \kappa, inside radius r_i and outside radius r_o, with the inside held at temperature T_i and the outside at temperature T_o, the constant rate of heat flow \dot{Q} is given by

\dot{Q} = 2\pi\kappa rL\frac{dT}{dr}

You need to solve that diff equation by separation of variables and integration with the given bounds to get an expression for \dot{Q} in terms of the temperature difference and the inner and outer radii. There will be a natural logarithm in the expression.

After doing that, let the temperature at the 4cm interface be T. The temperature gradient between the steam pipe and the outside of the cork jacket will be (140-T). That between the outside of the cork jacket and the outside of the styrofoam will be (T-15). You know the heat flux through the whole thickness is the same constant, and you've worked out a formula for it. From that, form a simple linear equation in T and solve it.

That will give you the first answer. For the second, just use the formula you've derived for the heat flow and the given length to work out the heat flux in watts.
 
Last edited:
I have got the answer , thanks so much
 
adrian116 said:
I have got the answer , thanks so much

Sure. :smile:
 

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