Print page

Print page

How do you calculate the heat transfer area of a finned tube heat exchanger?

Q: I am doing a finned tube heat exchanger project for a thermal oil heater's water pre-heater. Could you share with me the way to calculate the heat transfer area of the finned tube heat exchanger inside the water pre-heater based on the finned tube itself?

A:

Calculation of the finned tube outside heat transfer coefficient is discussed in Chapter 2 of “Process Heat Transfer” by Hewitt, Shires & Bott. 

Utilizing the individual film coefficients, conduction resistances and appropriate area terms, one can calculate an overall heat transfer coefficient based on the extended area of the exchangers. The reference also provides a number of examples.

Here are more of the latest questions on: Heat Transfer

What is the best source of quick heating in a vacuum tray drier?
What is the best source of quick heating in a vacuum tray drier? The goal is to fast dry product.

Is there a good standard for maintenance of water quality in chillers and closed cooling systems?
Is there a good standard for maintenance of water quality in chillers and closed cooling systems?

Do I need to make a stainless steel exchanger bigger?
I am considering using a stainless-steel shell-and-tube heat exchanger (water - water) in the place of a copper one. Do I need to make the stainless steel exchanger bigger? If so, is there a rough ratio I need to make it bigger by?

Can you provide calculations for shell-and-tube performance testing?
Could you give me some detailed instruction and calculation for shell-and-tube performance testing? Moreover, to find heat transfer coefficient and tube-side pressure drop.

How do I determine the temperature rise of a room due to an internal heat source?
Is there a generally accepted method for calculating the ambient room temperature rise when exposed to a heat source? For example, when opening a kiln lid with the contents at 300 degrees C.

Back to Ask the Experts