The calculation of a heat exchanger, is all in all a fairly simple exercise. It involves applying a mathematical formula using a set of pre-established data and coefficients.
Obviously this is assuming we limit ourselves to the calculation of the exchange surface which is required for a certain type of thermal work.
A series of factors come into place to establish the actual size of a heat exchanger
- construction type
- limited project conditions
- internal heat flow
- turbulence
- etc…
These factors determine the actual size of the exchanger and as a result they become the essence of the project.
It is not my intention here to dwell upon complex issues but I do wish to summarize some fundamental concepts regarding heat and its transmission to the basic dimensions of a heat exchanger.
The following are some excerpts from the document that can be easily downloaded.