Calculate Heat Duty of Exchanger

Heat Duty Equation:

\[ Q = m \times C_p \times \Delta T \]

Heat Duty (Q):

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1. What is Heat Duty?

Heat Duty (Q) represents the rate of heat transfer in a heat exchanger, calculated as the product of mass flow rate, specific heat capacity, and temperature difference. It quantifies the thermal energy transferred per unit time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Heat Duty equation:

\[ Q = m \times C_p \times \Delta T \]

Where:

\( m \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
\( C_p \) — Specific heat capacity (J/kg·K)
\( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (K)

Explanation: The equation calculates the thermal energy transfer rate based on the fluid properties and temperature change in the heat exchanger.

3. Importance of Heat Duty Calculation

Details: Accurate heat duty calculation is crucial for designing and sizing heat exchangers, optimizing energy efficiency, and ensuring proper thermal performance in industrial processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass flow rate in kg/s, specific heat capacity in J/kg·K, and temperature difference in K. All values must be positive and valid.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should be used for input values?
A: Mass flow rate in kg/s, specific heat capacity in J/kg·K, and temperature difference in Kelvin (K) for consistent SI units.

Q2: Can this calculator be used for both heating and cooling?
A: Yes, the heat duty calculation applies to both heating and cooling processes. The sign convention typically considers heat transfer to the system as positive.

Q3: What is the typical range of heat duty values?
A: Heat duty values vary widely depending on the application, from small laboratory-scale exchangers (watts to kilowatts) to industrial units (megawatts).

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This basic calculation assumes constant specific heat capacity and does not account for phase changes, variable properties, or heat losses.

Q5: How does heat duty relate to exchanger size?
A: Higher heat duty typically requires larger heat exchange surface area, but the relationship also depends on the heat transfer coefficient and log mean temperature difference.