Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient In Liquid Storage Tank Calculator

Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient Formula:

\[ U1 = \frac{K_{Insulation}}{r1 \times \ln\left(\frac{r2}{r1}\right)} \]

Thermal Conductivity of Insulation (K_Insulation):

W/m·K

Radius of Tank (r1):

Radius with Insulation (r2):

Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient (U1):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What is the Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient?

The Overall Heat Transfer Coefficient in liquid storage tanks measures the combined ability of conductive and convective barriers to transfer heat through a cylindrical surface. It quantifies how effectively heat is transferred through the tank wall and insulation layers.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the heat transfer formula for cylindrical surfaces:

\[ U1 = \frac{K_{Insulation}}{r1 \times \ln\left(\frac{r2}{r1}\right)} \]

Where:

\( U1 \) — Overall heat transfer coefficient (W/m²·K)
\( K_{Insulation} \) — Thermal conductivity of insulation (W/m·K)
\( r1 \) — Radius of tank (m)
\( r2 \) — Radius with insulation (m)
\( \ln \) — Natural logarithm function

Explanation: This formula calculates the heat transfer coefficient through cylindrical insulation layers, accounting for the logarithmic relationship between radius ratios and heat transfer.

3. Importance of Heat Transfer Coefficient Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of heat transfer coefficient is crucial for designing efficient thermal storage systems, optimizing insulation thickness, minimizing heat losses, and ensuring proper temperature maintenance in liquid storage tanks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter thermal conductivity in W/m·K, radii in meters. Ensure all values are positive and the radius with insulation is greater than the tank radius. The calculator provides the overall heat transfer coefficient in W/m²·K.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for heat transfer coefficients in insulated tanks?
A: Typical values range from 0.1 to 2.0 W/m²·K depending on insulation material and thickness.

Q2: How does insulation thickness affect the heat transfer coefficient?
A: Increasing insulation thickness (larger r2) decreases the heat transfer coefficient, reducing heat loss.

Q3: What factors influence thermal conductivity of insulation?
A: Material composition, density, temperature, and moisture content all affect thermal conductivity.

Q4: Can this formula be used for non-cylindrical tanks?
A: No, this specific formula applies only to cylindrical geometries. Different formulas are used for flat surfaces or other shapes.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: While providing a good estimate, actual conditions may vary due to factors like convection effects, material imperfections, and temperature gradients.