Tube Side Pressure Drop In Heat Exchanger For Laminar Flow Calculator

Tube Side Pressure Drop Formula:

\[ \Delta P_{\text{Tube Side}} = N_{\text{Tube Pass}} \times \left(8 \times J_f \times \frac{L_{\text{Tube}}}{D_{\text{inner}}} \times \left(\frac{\mu_{\text{fluid}}}{\mu_{\text{Wall}}}\right)^{-0.25} + 2.5\right) \times \frac{\rho_{\text{fluid}}}{2} \times V_f^2 \]

Number of Tube-Side Passes:

Friction Factor:

Length of Tube:

Pipe Inner Diameter:

Fluid Viscosity at Bulk Temperature:

Pa·s

Fluid Viscosity at Wall Temperature:

Pa·s

Fluid Density:

kg/m³

Fluid Velocity:

m/s

Tube Side Pressure Drop:

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1. What is Tube Side Pressure Drop?

Tube Side Pressure Drop is the difference between inlet and outlet pressure of the tube side fluid in a shell and tube heat exchanger. It represents the energy loss due to friction and other flow resistances as the fluid passes through the tubes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Tube Side Pressure Drop formula for laminar flow:

Where:

\( N_{\text{Tube Pass}} \) — Number of tube-side passes
\( J_f \) — Friction factor (dimensionless)
\( L_{\text{Tube}} \) — Length of tube (m)
\( D_{\text{inner}} \) — Pipe inner diameter (m)
\( \mu_{\text{fluid}} \) — Fluid viscosity at bulk temperature (Pa·s)
\( \mu_{\text{Wall}} \) — Fluid viscosity at wall temperature (Pa·s)
\( \rho_{\text{fluid}} \) — Fluid density (kg/m³)
\( V_f \) — Fluid velocity (m/s)

Explanation: This formula accounts for frictional losses, entrance/exit losses, and the viscosity correction factor for laminar flow conditions in heat exchanger tubes.

3. Importance of Pressure Drop Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure drop calculation is crucial for proper pump selection, energy consumption estimation, and ensuring adequate flow rates in heat exchanger systems. Excessive pressure drop can lead to reduced efficiency and increased operational costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure values are positive and within reasonable ranges for heat exchanger applications. The calculator is specifically designed for laminar flow conditions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical range for friction factor in laminar flow?
A: For laminar flow in smooth tubes, the friction factor typically ranges from 0.01 to 0.05, depending on the Reynolds number and tube roughness.

Q2: How does viscosity ratio affect pressure drop?
A: The (μfluid/μWall)^-0.25 term accounts for the temperature dependence of viscosity. As fluid temperature changes near the wall, viscosity changes affect the flow resistance.

Q3: What is the significance of the 2.5 constant in the formula?
A: The constant 2.5 accounts for entrance and exit losses in the tube passes, which are significant contributors to the total pressure drop.

Q4: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is specifically designed for laminar flow conditions (Re < 2300) in heat exchanger tubes with multiple passes.

Q5: How does number of tube passes affect pressure drop?
A: Pressure drop increases linearly with the number of tube-side passes, as each additional pass adds both frictional and entrance/exit losses.