Equivalent Diameter for Triangular Pitch in Heat Exchanger Calculator

Equivalent Diameter Formula:

\[ De = \frac{1.10}{DOuter} \times (PTube^2 - 0.917 \times DOuter^2) \]

Equivalent Diameter:

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1. What is Equivalent Diameter for Triangular Pitch?

The equivalent diameter 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 exchangers with triangular tube arrangement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the equivalent diameter formula:

\[ De = \frac{1.10}{DOuter} \times (PTube^2 - 0.917 \times DOuter^2) \]

Where:

\( De \) — Equivalent Diameter (m)
\( DOuter \) — Pipe Outer Diameter (m)
\( PTube \) — Tube Pitch (m)

Explanation: This formula calculates the equivalent diameter for heat exchangers with triangular pitch tube arrangement, accounting for the geometric configuration of tubes.

3. Importance of Equivalent Diameter Calculation

Details: Accurate equivalent diameter calculation is crucial for determining flow characteristics, heat transfer coefficients, and pressure drop calculations in heat exchanger design and analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is triangular pitch in heat exchangers?
A: Triangular pitch refers to the arrangement where tubes are positioned at the vertices of equilateral triangles, providing compact spacing and efficient heat transfer.

Q2: Why is equivalent diameter important?
A: Equivalent diameter allows engineers to apply circular pipe flow equations to non-circular flow passages by providing an equivalent hydraulic diameter.

Q3: What units should be used for input values?
A: Both pipe outer diameter and tube pitch should be entered in meters (m) for consistent results.

Q4: When is this formula applicable?
A: This specific formula is designed for heat exchangers with triangular tube pitch arrangement and provides accurate results for such configurations.

Q5: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: This equation is specifically tailored for triangular pitch arrangements and may not be accurate for other tube configurations such as square or rotated square pitch.