Pressure Drop In Plate Type Heat Exchanger Given Reynolds Number Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ \Delta P_p = 8 \times (0.6 \times (Re^{-0.3})) \times (L_p/D_e) \times (\rho_{fluid} \times (u_p^2)/2) \]

Reynold Number (Re):

Path Length (Lp):

Equivalent Diameter (De):

Fluid Density (ρfluid):

kg/m³

Channel Velocity (up):

m/s

Plate Pressure Drop (ΔPp):

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1. What is Plate Pressure Drop?

Plate Pressure Drop refers to the loss of fluid pressure as the fluid flows through the channels formed by the plates in a plate type heat exchanger. It represents the energy loss due to friction and flow resistance within the heat exchanger.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

\[ \Delta P_p = 8 \times (0.6 \times (Re^{-0.3})) \times (L_p/D_e) \times (\rho_{fluid} \times (u_p^2)/2) \]

Where:

\( \Delta P_p \) — Plate Pressure Drop (Pa)
\( Re \) — Reynolds Number
\( L_p \) — Path Length (m)
\( D_e \) — Equivalent Diameter (m)
\( \rho_{fluid} \) — Fluid Density (kg/m³)
\( u_p \) — Channel Velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The formula accounts for fluid properties, flow characteristics, and geometric parameters to calculate the pressure drop across plate heat exchanger channels.

3. Importance of Pressure Drop Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure drop calculation is crucial for designing efficient heat exchangers, optimizing pumping power requirements, and ensuring proper system performance in thermal engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Reynolds number, path length in meters, equivalent diameter in meters, fluid density in kg/m³, and channel velocity in m/s. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect plate pressure drop?
A: Pressure drop is influenced by fluid properties (density, viscosity), flow velocity, channel geometry, surface roughness, and Reynolds number.

Q2: Why is Reynolds number important in pressure drop calculation?
A: Reynolds number determines the flow regime (laminar or turbulent) which significantly affects the friction factor and consequently the pressure drop.

Q3: What is typical pressure drop range in plate heat exchangers?
A: Typical pressure drops range from 10-100 kPa depending on the application, fluid properties, and heat exchanger design.

Q4: How does channel geometry affect pressure drop?
A: Smaller equivalent diameters and longer flow paths increase pressure drop, while optimized plate corrugations can enhance heat transfer with moderate pressure drop.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for both liquids and gases?
A: Yes, the formula applies to both Newtonian liquids and gases, provided the appropriate fluid density is used for the calculation.