HEAT-EXCHANGER FLOW CONFIGURATIONS - DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

A discussion is presented on the conditions under which the rating and design dimensionless equations, typical of heat exchanger idealised flow configurations, are expected to be valid. A line for a possible rigorous mathematical demonstration is given. With reference to broad conditions, including also non-uniformity of the heat transfer coefficient, some questions are analysed. In particular, the properties of two functions are discussed, the first representing the heat transfer rate variation due to the switching of inlet streams and the second being an "arrangement efficiency" of exchanger assemblies.