1. What is Equivalent Diameter for Square Pitch?

The Equivalent Diameter for Square Pitch in Heat Exchanger represents a single characteristic length that takes into account the cross-sectional shape and flow path of a non-circular or irregularly shaped channel or duct in heat exchanger applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Equivalent Diameter formula:

Where:

• \( De \) — Equivalent Diameter (m)
• \( D_{outer} \) — Pipe Outer Diameter (m)
• \( P_{tube} \) — Tube Pitch (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the equivalent diameter for square pitch arrangement in heat exchangers, which is crucial for determining flow characteristics and heat transfer efficiency.

3. Importance of Equivalent Diameter Calculation

Details: Accurate equivalent diameter calculation is essential for proper heat exchanger design, fluid flow analysis, pressure drop calculations, and overall thermal performance optimization in heat transfer systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pipe outer diameter and tube pitch in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the significance of equivalent diameter in heat exchangers?
A: Equivalent diameter helps in characterizing flow through non-circular passages and is used in Reynolds number calculations for heat transfer and pressure drop analysis.

Q2: How does tube pitch affect equivalent diameter?
A: Larger tube pitch increases the equivalent diameter, which affects flow velocity, pressure drop, and heat transfer characteristics in the heat exchanger.

Q3: What are typical values for pipe outer diameter and tube pitch?
A: Typical pipe outer diameters range from 0.015-0.05m, while tube pitches are usually 1.25-1.5 times the pipe diameter in square pitch arrangements.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This equation is specifically for square pitch arrangements and may not be accurate for triangular pitch or other tube bundle configurations.

Q5: How is equivalent diameter used in heat exchanger design?
A: It's used to calculate Reynolds number, Nusselt number, friction factors, and overall heat transfer coefficients in thermal design calculations.