Water mixing temperature- different flow rates

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SUMMARY

The resultant temperature of water mixing at different flow rates can be calculated using the mass and energy balance equation: h_3 = \frac{\dot{m_1}h_1 + \dot{m_2}h_2}{\dot{m_1} + \dot{m_2}}. In this case, 15 l/s of water at 14°C mixes with 76.4 l/s of water at 41°C. The enthalpies (h) corresponding to these temperatures must be obtained from a steam table or REFPROP, ensuring that the inlet temperatures are below the saturation temperature at the specified pressure. Interpolation may be necessary if the exact enthalpy is not listed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mass flow rates in fluid dynamics
  • Knowledge of enthalpy and its significance in thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with steam tables and REFPROP software
  • Basic principles of mixing processes in engineering
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of mass and energy balance in mixing processes
  • Learn how to use steam tables for enthalpy calculations
  • Explore the REFPROP software for thermodynamic properties of fluids
  • Investigate the effects of pressure on the saturation temperature of water
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, thermodynamics students, and professionals involved in fluid mixing processes and thermal management will benefit from this discussion.

Elodie Sandou
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Homework Statement


What is the temperature of the resultant flow if you have 15 l/s of 14 degC water mixing with 76.4 l/s of 41 deg C water?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



delta T colder water = delta T warmer water
 
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Elodie Sandou said:

Homework Statement


What is the temperature of the resultant flow if you have 15 l/s of 14 degC water mixing with 76.4 l/s of 41 deg C water?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



delta T colder water = delta T warmer water

This would be a typical mixing chamber type problem, but you'll need to know the pressure. The mass and energy balance yields:

h_3 = \frac{\dot{m_1}h_1 + \dot{m_2}h_2}{\dot{m_1} + \dot{m_2}}

The m_dots with subs 1 and 2 are the respective mass flow rates coming into the mixing chamber. The h's are the respective enthalpies. They can be looked up in a steam table based on the inlet temperatures. This assumes of course that the inlet temperatures are below the saturation temperature of water at the specified pressure (i.e. it is in the compressed liquid state). Assuming that criterion is satisfied, the enthalpy of a compressed liquid can be approximated as a saturated liquid at the given temperature.

Once you have the enthalpy at the exit (h_3) you can look up the corresponding temperature in a steam table (or REFPROP if you have that database). If the exact enthalpy doesn't appear in your table you can interpolate and get a reasonable answer (depending on what accuracy you want).

Hope that helps.

CS
 
Dear CS,
Thank you very much for your help! I had asked 4 engineers previous to this, but they all suggested a weighted average. Thanks again.
 

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