How Heat Transfer Works

Heat transfer occurs when there is a difference in temperature between two mediums. Heat will travel from the hot source to the cold source. The rate at which the heat transfer occurs at is determined by many factors such as the heat conductivity of the two materials andthe difference in temperatures of the two mediums. Convectiuve heat transfer occurs when the materials are moving against each other.

Plate heat exchangers have significantly good heat transfer rates because they use metal plates which have high heat conductivity rates and the plates are extremely thin. The plate heat exchangers also achieve high amounts of heat transfer through convective forces with both working fluids. With large temperature differentials, great amounts of heat transfer can be achieved using a plate heat exchanger.

Principles of Heat Transfer

To understand how heat losses occur and how they can be minimized needed to understand the principles of heat transfer. Heat transfer finds application in equipment sizing as well. For instance, a heat exchanger is used to transfer heat load from one fluid to another. Thus, heat transfer applications are involved with energy transfer in equipment, piping systems, and building design.

Heat transfer is determined by the effects of conduction, radiation and convection.

Conduction - heat transfer is based on one space surrendering heat while another one gains it by the ability of the dividing surface to conduct heat. Metals are the best conductors of heat, while wood, asbestos, and felt are the poorer ones.

Radiation - heat transfer is based on the properties of light, where no surface or fluid needed to carry heat from one object to another

Convection - heat transfer is based on the exchange of heat between a fluid, gas, or liquid as it transverses a conducting surface.