H E AT E X C H A N G E R S 3 / 115

Now, by definition the effectiveness, ε, is given by:

q q
ε= = (3.23)
qmax Cmin
Tmax

Thus, the actual heat-transfer rate can be expressed as:

q = ε Cmin
Tmax (3.24)

It can be shown (see, e.g., Ref. [14]) that for a given type of exchanger the effectiveness depends
on only two parameters, r and NTU , where:

r ≡ Cmin /Cmax (3.25)

NTU ≡ UA/Cmin (3.26)

Here, NTU stands for number of transfer units, a terminology derived by analogy with continuous-
contacting mass-transfer equipment. Equations for the effectiveness are available in the literature
(e.g., Ref. [14]) for various types of heat exchangers. Equations for the heat exchanger configu-
rations considered in this chapter are given in Table 3.6. Their use is illustrated in the following
example.

Example 3.6
Determine the outlet temperature of the kerosene and gas oil streams when the exchanger of
Example 3.5 is first placed in service.

Table 3.6 Effectiveness Relations for Various Heat Exchangers

r ≡ Cmin /Cmax NTU ≡ UA/Cmin

Exchanger type Effectiveness equation

1 − exp[−NTU (1 − r)]
Counter flow ε= (r < 1)
1 − r exp[−NTU (1 − r)]
NTU
ε= (r = 1)
1 + NTU
1 − exp[−NTU (1 + r)]
Parallel flow ε=
1+r

  −1
1 + exp −β × NTU
1-2 ε=2 1+r +β 
1 − exp −β × NTU
√
where β = 1 + r 2

 
 −1
1 − ε∗ r N 1 − ε∗ r N
 
N -2N ε= −1 × −r (r < 1)
1 − ε∗ 1 − ε∗
∗
Nε
(For a 2-4 exchanger, ε= (r = 1)
1 + (N − 1)ε∗
N = 2; etc.)
where ε* is the effectiveness for a 1-2
exchanger with the same value of r but with (1/N )
times the NTU value