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CalcTree
Log mean temperature difference (LMTD) in the logarithmic average between the hot and cold flows at each end of a heat exchanger. The LMTD is used in heat exchangers to determine the temperature-driving force of heat transfer.

Calculation

Inputs



THO
:70K



TCO
:25K



THI
:90K



TCI
:20K


Output



LMTD
:57.1724203K



Explanation

In counter flow heat exchangers the hot and cold fluids enter at opposite ends, and flow in opposing directions through the heat exchanger. This helps to maintain a large temperature difference between the hot and cold liquids throughout the length of the exchanger. Log mean temperature difference is is used to describe this difference using the following the equation.
Cold & Hot Counter Flow Heat Exchangers

Cold & Hot Counter Flow Heat Exchangers


ΔTLM=(THoTCi)(THiTCo)ln(THoTCiTHiTCo)\Delta T_{LM} = \frac {(T_{H_o} - T_{C_i})-(T_{H_i} - T_{C_o})}{ln(\frac {T_{H_o} - T_{C_i}}{T_{H_i} - T_{C_o}})}
Where:

ΔTLM=LogMeanTemperatureDifference(K)THO=OutletTemperatureoftheHotFluid(K)TCO=OutletTemperatureoftheColdFluid(K)THi=InletTemperatureoftheHotFluid(K)TCi=InletTemperatureoftheColdFluid(K)\Delta T_{LM} = Log \: Mean \: Temperature \: Difference \: (K) \\ T_{H_O} = \: Outlet \: Temperature \: of \: the \: Hot \: Fluid \:(K) \\ T_{C_O} = \: Outlet \: Temperature \: of \: the \: Cold \: Fluid \: (K) \\ T_{H_i} = \: Inlet \: Temperature \: of \: the \: Hot \: Fluid \:(K) \\ T_{C_i} = \: Inlet \: Temperature \: of \: the \: Cold \: Fluid \: (K) \\

Related Resources

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  1. Log Mean Temperature Difference (lmtd) Calculator