1. What Is Heat Exchanger Duty?

Heat exchanger duty (Q) represents the amount of heat transferred between two fluids in a heat exchanger. It's a critical parameter in thermal engineering that determines the size and efficiency of heat exchange equipment used in various industrial processes in Malaysia.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental heat transfer equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Heat exchanger duty (W)
• \( m \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
• \( Cp \) — Specific heat capacity (J/kg K)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference (K)

Explanation: This equation calculates the thermal energy transferred based on the mass flow rate of the fluid, its specific heat capacity, and the temperature change it undergoes.

3. Importance Of Heat Exchanger Duty Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of heat exchanger duty is essential for proper heat exchanger sizing, energy efficiency optimization, process control, and cost estimation in Malaysian industrial applications including petrochemical, power generation, and HVAC systems.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter mass flow rate in kg/s, specific heat capacity in J/kg K, and temperature difference in Kelvin. All values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for this calculator?
A: The calculator uses SI units: mass flow rate in kg/s, specific heat in J/kg K, temperature difference in K, and results in Watts (W).

Q2: Can this calculator be used for both heating and cooling duties?
A: Yes, the equation works for both heating and cooling applications. The sign convention (positive/negative) depends on whether heat is being added to or removed from the system.

Q3: What is typical specific heat capacity for water?
A: Water has a specific heat capacity of approximately 4186 J/kg K at room temperature, which is commonly used as a reference in heat exchanger calculations.

Q4: How does this relate to overall heat transfer coefficient (U)?
A: The duty Q is also equal to U × A × LMTD, where U is the overall heat transfer coefficient, A is the heat transfer area, and LMTD is the log mean temperature difference.

Q5: Are there limitations to this simple equation?
A: This equation assumes constant specific heat and single-phase flow. For phase change applications or variable properties, more complex calculations are needed.