Tube Side Pressure Drop in Heat Exchanger for Turbulent Flow Calculator

Tube Side Pressure Drop Formula:

\[ \Delta P_{Tube Side} = N_{Tube Pass} \times (8 \times J_f \times (L_{Tube}/D_{inner}) \times (\mu_{fluid}/\mu_{Wall})^{-0.14} + 2.5) \times (\rho_{fluid}/2) \times (V_f^2) \]

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 resistances as the fluid flows through the tubes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

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

\[ \Delta P_{Tube Side} = N_{Tube Pass} \times (8 \times J_f \times (L_{Tube}/D_{inner}) \times (\mu_{fluid}/\mu_{Wall})^{-0.14} + 2.5) \times (\rho_{fluid}/2) \times (V_f^2) \]

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation accounts for frictional losses, entrance/exit losses, and viscosity correction factors for turbulent flow 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 efficient heat exchanger operation without excessive pressure losses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all required parameters with appropriate units. Ensure all values are positive and within reasonable ranges for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the significance of the viscosity ratio term?
A: The viscosity ratio term accounts for the variation in fluid viscosity between the bulk temperature and wall temperature, which affects the friction factor.

Q2: When is this formula applicable?
A: This formula is specifically designed for turbulent flow conditions in heat exchanger tubes.

Q3: What factors affect tube side pressure drop?
A: Tube length, diameter, fluid velocity, viscosity, density, number of passes, and surface roughness all influence pressure drop.

Q4: How does number of passes affect pressure drop?
A: Pressure drop increases proportionally with the number of tube-side passes due to additional entrance/exit losses and longer flow paths.

Q5: What are typical pressure drop values in heat exchangers?
A: Typical values range from 10-100 kPa, but vary significantly based on design parameters and fluid properties.