CHEMICAL ENGIEERING LAB I

CFB 2032/CEB 2032

JANUARY 2024

GROUP MEMBERS
Experiment 5 – Plate Heat Exchanger
Group G1
Group Members Muhammad Ramaddan Bin Awang (21000641)
Anisa Yasmin Binti Ahmad Nazarene (21001690)
Tenh Boon Chong (22005890)
Muvendra A/L Chandrasegran (22008242)
Nurhanan Binti Mohd Hanafiah (22000714)
Nur Aimi Syazni Binti Mustaffa (22008356)
Lab Instructor Wael Alarif Nasr Almusattar
Date of 23rd January 2024
Experiment
ABSTRACT
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE
ABSTRACT iv
CHAPTER 1: INRODUCTION 1
1.1 Background Study 1
1.2 Objectives 1
CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY 6
3.1 Materials 6
3.2 Experimental Setup 7
3.3 Experimental Procedure 7
CHAPTER 3: RESULT AND DISCUSSION 11
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION 12
REFERENCES 13
APPENDICES 14
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Study

Heat exchanger is a device for transferring heat between two or more process fluid (Bahman
Zohuri, 2018). There are many types of heat exchanger. In this experiment a plate heat
exchanger (PHE) is used. PHE as shown in figure 1 is one of the design of types of heat
exchanger and its components, that utilize metal plates which allow heat to flow between two
fluids (Jangid, 2018). It is rampantly use in food industries due to their portability, ability to
be arranged in various ways, and ease of cleaning (Guan Shunfeng & Sandro Macchietto,
2018). The background work of PHE is essential for understanding the principles and
applications of these devices. The efficiency and performance of heat exchangers play a
crucial role in the overall energy efficiency of industrial processes. Heat exchangers work
based on the principles of heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation. They
are designed to maximize the surface area for heat exchange between the fluids while
minimizing pressure drop and energy consumption. Understanding the design, operation, and
performance of heat exchangers is vital for optimizing industrial processes and reducing
energy costs.
The PHE operates when the fluids spread out over the plates, exposing them to a larger
surface area, which facilitates the transfer of heat and increases the speed of the temperature
change. The PHE consists of two alternating chambers separated by corrugated metal plates,
usually made of stainless steel due to its high-temperature resistance, strength, and corrosion
resistance (Jangid, 2018). The plates are pressed to form troughs at right angles to the
direction of flow, creating a large surface area for heat transfer and maintaining a turbulent
flow to maximize heat transfer. The heat transfer efficiency of PHEs has made a significant
impact in domestic heating and hot-water systems, increasing the flow rate of combination
boilers.

Figure 1 Plate Heat Exchanger and the components

This experiment was conducted in two flows. The first flow is counter current flow (Figure 2)
which refers to the movement of two fluids in a heat exchanger in opposite directions. In this
arrangement, the hot fluid enters at one end of the heat exchanger and flows in one direction,
while the cold fluid enters at the opposite end and flows in the opposite direction. Counter
current flow is known to provide the most efficient heat transfer in a heat exchanger
compared to co-current arrangements. This is because the temperature difference between the
two fluids remains high throughout the heat exchange process, allowing for a more effective
transfer of heat from the hot fluid to the cold fluid.

The second flow is co-current flow, also known as parallel flow (Figure 2), refers to the
movement of two fluids in a heat exchanger in the same direction. In this arrangement, both
the hot and cold fluids enter the heat exchanger at one end and flow in the same direction
through the exchanger. This type of flow results in a lower overall heat transfer efficiency
compared to counter-current flow, as the temperature difference between the two fluids
decreases along the length of the heat exchanger. Consequently, the heat transfer rate is less
efficient in co-current flow compared to counter-current flow.

Figure 2 Co-current flow (Parallel flow) and counter current flow

1.2 Objectives

The required data was obtained from the experiment for the calculation of heat transfer
coefficient, heat losses, and log mean temperature difference and others. Besides that, in this
experiment it showed effect of flow rate on the heat transfer rate, and it includes studying
counter-current PHE and co-current PHE plate heat exchangers, varying water flow rates and
temperatures, and analysing heat transfer. The focus is on understanding the equipment,
operating procedures, theory, experimental procedures, and emphasis on safety precautions
and maintenance guidelines. Below are the significant equations used to analyse the
understanding of heat exchanger that uses plate.
The general equation for heat transfer is:
𝑄 = 𝑈𝐴∆𝑇𝑚 (1.2.1)
Where,
𝑄 = heat transfer per unit time, W
𝑈 = the overall heat transfer coefficient, W/𝑚2° 𝐶
𝐴 = heat transfer area, 𝑚2
∆𝑇𝑚 = the mean temperature difference, the temperature driving force, °𝐶

For counter-current arrangement, the temperature difference correction factor, 𝐹𝑡 will be near
to 1.
 ( 𝑇1−𝑡2) −(𝑇2−𝑡1)
Hence, ∆𝑇𝑚 = ∆𝑇𝑙𝑚 = 𝑇 −𝑡 (1.2.2)
ln ( 1 2)
𝑇2 −𝑡1

Where,
∆𝑇𝑚 = log mean temperature difference

𝑇1 = inlet hot water temperature

𝑇2 = outlet hot water temperature
𝑡1 = inlet cold water temperature

𝑡2 = outlet cold water temperature

From heat balance,

𝑄 = 𝑚𝐶𝑝 ∆𝑇
(1.2.3)
For designing purpose of exchanger, the equation below is used to predict required area,
0.4 0.1
ℎ𝑝𝑑𝑒 𝜇
= 0.26 𝑅𝑒 0.65 Pr ( ) 4
𝑘𝑓 𝜇𝑤

(1.2.4)
Where,
ℎ 𝑝 = pla te film coefficient

𝑑𝑒 = Equivalent (hydraulic) diameter

𝐺𝑝 𝑑𝑒
𝑅𝑒 =
𝜇
Where,
𝑊
𝐺𝑝 = = mass flow rate per unit cross sectional area
𝐴𝑓

𝐴𝑓 = cross-sectional area for flow

𝐶𝑝 = fluid specific heat, heat capacity

The counter-current flow arrangement in plate heat exchanger is more efficient than co-current
flow. Thus, the mean temperature difference will generally be higher in a plate heat exchanger.
The logarithmic mean temperature difference correction factor 𝐹𝑡 will be near to 1.
Plate pressure drop can be calculated using below equation,
𝐿𝑝 𝜌𝑈𝑝2
∆𝑃𝑝 = 8𝑗𝑓 ( ) (1.2.5)
𝑑𝑒 2

Where,
𝐿𝑝 = Path length
 𝐺𝑝
𝑈𝑝 =
𝜌
𝑗𝑓 = 1.25 𝑅𝑒 −0.3
 CHAPTER 2
PROJECT METHODOLOGY

2.1 Materials/Apparatus
Materials: Water
Apparatus: Flow rate indicator, Temperature indicator, Temperature controller, Main switch,
Main
control unit, Pump P1 switch, Pump P2 switch, Plate heat exchanger, Heater switch,
Rotameter, Valves, Hot water tank, and Cold water tank.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): Lab coat, covered shoes.

2.2 Experimental Setup

Figure 2.2.1: Main control unit

 Figure 2.2.2: Plate heat exchanger unit

Table 2.2 Plate Heat Exchanger Unit Description

No Part Description
1 Flowrate Indicator controller Toggle to FT1 or FT2 which is Cold
(relate with no 2) flowrate or Hot flowrate
2 Flowrate Indicator Show the Flowrate of FT1 or FT2
(relate with no 1)
3 Temperature selector Switch Toggle to TT1, TT2, TT3, TT4 which is
(relate with no 4) the temperature inlet and outlet of
system
4 Flowrate temperature Indicator Show the the temperature of inlets and
(relate with no 3) outlets of the system, TT1, TT2, TT3
and TT4
5 System Temperature controller To set and read the temperature of the
system
6 Main switch To turn ON/OFF the whole plate heat
exchanger system
7 Pump P1 switch To turn ON/OFF Pump P1
8 Pump P2 switch To turn ON/OFF Pump P2
9 Heater switch To turn ON/OFF the heater
10 Pump P1 To pump hot water from the hot water
tank to the system
11 Pump P2 To pump cold water from the cold-water
tank to the system
12 Hot water tank To store hot water
13 Cold water tank To store cold water
 Figure 2.2.3: Process Flow Diagram for Plate Heat Exchanger (Model HE 200)

Table 2.2.3 Valve Arrangement of Counter Current and Co-current Flow based on Figure 2.2.3
Type of Flow OPEN VALVE CLOSE VALVE
Counter Current flow HV5, HV7, HV9, HV10, HV2, HV3, HV6, HV8,
HV12, HV13 HV11
Co-Current flow HV5, HV7, HV8, HV11, HV2, HV3, HV6, HV9,
HV12, HV13 HV10

Note: the arrangement of the valves in the plate heat exchanger unit will determine the type of
flow either counter current flow or co-current flow so table 2.23 will be based on figure 2.2.3.
Hence, the flow measurement was based on the rotameter that installed on the hot and cold
water line to measure the flow rate as following:
Flowmeter 1 (FT1) : hot water flow rate
Flowmeter 2 (FT2) : cold water flow rate

In this experiment, the material used was water. The apparatuses used were the main control
unit, flowrate indicator, temperature indicator, temperature controller, plate heat exchanger unit
shown in figure 2.2.1, cold water tank, hot water tank, rotameter, and switches on the main
control unit that are shown in figure 2.2.2, which are the main switch, Pump P1, Pump P2, and
heater switch. As we could see from the layout of the plate heat exchanger unit shown in figure
2.2.3 above, it involves valves and pipes to help in this experiment. The streams were controlled
by two pumps, which were used to pump the water from the hot water tank and the cold water
tank respectively. The valves were used to control the flowing direction of the water, allowing
the system to switch between counter-current flow and co-current flow. The main control unit
was used to monitor the water's flow rate and temperature.

2.3 Experimental Procedure

The detailed experimental procedure will be covered in this section. There are two
components to this experiment: co-current flow and counter-current flow. There will be three
experiments conducted on both types of flows: A, B, and C. In Table 2.3.1 below, there a list
of the objectives, independent variables (controlled variable), and dependent variables
(observed variable) of experiments A, B, and C.

Table 2.3.1
Experiment Objective Independent Dependent
Variable Variable
A To study the Flowrate of Hot Temperature of
relationship between Water inlets and outlets of
hot water flowrate the system, which is
and plate heat TT1, TT2, TT3, TT3
exchanger
performance
B To study the Flowrate of Cold Temperature of
relationship between Water inlets and outlets of
cold water flowrate the system, which is
and plate heat TT1, TT2, TT3, TT3
exchanger
performance
C To study the Temperature of Hot Temperature of
relationship between Water inlets and outlets of
hot water the system, which is
Temperature and TT1, TT2, TT3, TT3
plate heat exchanger
performance

Note: The temperature measurements is based on the flowrate temperature indicator (4) that
can be contol by the temperature selector switch to select the following temperatures:
TT1: hot water inlet temperature
TT2: hot water outlet temperature
TT3: cold water inlet temperature (co-current) @ cold water outlet temperature (counter-
current)
TT4: cold water outlet temperature (co-current) @cold water inlet temperature (counter-
current)
→ All the temperatures will be displayed as digitally in °C at the control panel where can
be switched by the Temperature selector switch (3) which provided for choosing the
selected temperature to read.

General Setup Procedure

1. Overall inspection be held on the plate heat exchanger unit (PHT) to ensure the
performance of it in good condition.
2. The valves were checked according to the type of flow of the experiment.
3. The main power switch (6) was switched on so the water will be filling in both hot
water tank (12) and cold-water tank (13)
4. The heater (9) switched on and the temperature controller (5) was adjusted to a set
point based on all experiment.
5. Since all the setup was done, so the experiment is ready to run.
Counter current Plate Heat Exchanger Experiment
Experiment A : To Determine the Effect of Hot Water Flowrate on the Performance of the
Plate Heat Exchanger
1. The general setup procedure be held as a startup before running the experiment and
the valves HV5, HV7, HV9, HV10, HV12 and HV13 were opened, while HV2, HV3,
HV6, HV8, HV11 were closed to create the counter current flow in the PHT unit
system.
2. In this experiment A, the temperature controller is adjusted to a set point of 50°C.
3. Pump P1 (10) and pump P2 (11) are switched ON at the main control unit (7) and (8)
to ensure the flow of water from both tanks throughout the system.
4. Valve HV4 was adjusted until the flowrate of cold water is reaching at 10 L/min while
Valve HV1 was adjusted until the flowrate of hot water is reaching at 4 L/min.
5. Once the flow of the system reached at steady state flow, The values of FT1, FT2,
TT1, TT2, TT3 and TT4 are recorded.
6. Step 1-5 is repeated by using the flowrate of hot water at 8, 12, 16 and 20 L/min.

Experiment B: To Determine the Effect of Cold Water Flowrate on the Performance of the
Plate Heat Exchanger
1. The general setup procedure be held as a startup before running the experiment and
the valves HV5, HV7, HV9, HV10, HV12 and HV13 were opened, while HV2, HV3,
HV6, HV8, HV11 were closed to create the counter current flow in the PHT unit
system.
2. In this experiment B, the temperature controller is adjusted to a set point of 50°C.
3. Pump P1 (10) and pump P2 (11) are switched ON at the main control unit (7) and (8)
to ensure the flow of water from both tanks throughout the system.
4. Valve HV1 was adjusted until the flowrate of cold water is reaching at 10 L/min while
Valve HV4 was adjusted until the flowrate of hot water is reaching at 4 L/min.
5. Once the flow of the system reached at steady state flow, The values of FT1, FT2,
TT1, TT2, TT3 and TT4 are recorded.
6. Step 1-5 is repeated by using the flowrate of cold water at 8, 12, 16 and 20 L/min.
Experiment C: To Determine the Effect of hot water temperature on the Performance of the
Plate Heat Exchanger
1. The general setup procedure be held as a startup before running the experiment and
the valves HV5, HV7, HV9, HV10, HV12 and HV13 were opened, while HV2, HV3,
HV6, HV8, HV11 were closed to create the counter current flow in the PHT unit
system.
2. In this experiment B, the temperature controller is adjusted to a set point of 50°C.
3. Pump P1 (10) and pump P2 (11) are switched ON at the main control unit (7) and (8)
to ensure the flow of water from both tanks throughout the system.
4. Valve HV1 was adjusted until the flowrate of cold water is reaching at 10 L/min while
Valve HV4 was adjusted until the flowrate of hot water is reaching at 12 L/min.
5. Once the flow of the system reached at steady state flow, The values of FT1, FT2,
TT1, TT2, TT3 and TT4 are recorded.
6. Step 1-5 is repeated by setting the water temperature to be at 55, 60, 65 and 70 °C.

Co-current Plate Heat Exchanger Experiment

All steps and procedure for experiments A, B, and C including the general setup procedure
were repeated using the plate heat exchanger unit's co-current flow. The co-current flow is
achieved by having the valves HV5, HV7, HV8, HV11, HV12, and HV13 set to open and the
valves HV2, HV3, HV6, HV9, and HV10 closed.
2.4 Flow Chart of the Procedure
Figure 2.4.1: Process Flow Diagram for Plate Heat Exchanger
2.5 Safety Precautions
1. 1.All laboratory safety precautions, including the wearing of appropriate clothing,
footwear, and safety goggles, should be observed.
2. Any leak must be checked and rectified.
3. It must always be ensured that the heater is fully submerged in the water.
4. The hot components of the unit must not be touched.
5. Extreme care must be taken when handling liquid at high temperature.
6. The heater must always be switched off, and the liquid must be allowed to cool down
before draining.

CHAPTER 3: RESULT AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Results
i)Counter-Current Plate Heat Exchanger
a) Effect of Hot Water Flow Rate

Temperature Cold Water Hot Water Hot Water Temperature Cold Water Temperature
Setting (℃) Flow Rate Flow Rate (℃) (℃)
(L/min) (L/min) 𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
50 10 4 49.7 27.4 24.0 35.2
8 50.6 32.4 25.4 40.0
12 50.8 34.2 25.6 43.5
16 50.9 37.4 25.7 46.8
20 51.2 39.5 25.8 47.9
Table 3a.1(i): Inlet and Outlet Temperature of Hot and Cold water

• The water flow rates are converted to mass flow rate with the formula:

𝒎̇ = 𝝆𝑽̇
 𝑳 𝟏𝒎𝟑 𝟏 𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝟗𝟗𝟕 𝒌𝒈
𝒎̇ = × × ×
𝒎𝒊𝒏 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎𝑳 𝟔𝟎𝒔 𝒎𝟑
𝑘𝑔
Where the density of water is 997 .
𝑚3

Water Flow Rate (L/min) Mass Flow Rate, 𝒎̇ (kg/s)

4 0.0665
8 0.1329
10 (cold water) 0.1662
12 0.1994
16 0.2659
20 0.3323
Table 3a.2(i): Volumetric and mass flow rate of water

• The heat loss is calculated using the formulas:

𝒒𝒉 = 𝒎̇𝒉 𝒄𝒑 (𝑻𝒉,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕 − 𝑻𝒉,𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕 ) , 𝒒𝒉 = 𝒎̇𝒉 𝒄𝒑 (𝑻𝒉,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕 − 𝑻𝒉,𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕 )

𝒒 = 𝒒𝒉 − 𝒒𝒄
𝒒𝒄
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
𝒒𝒉

𝑘𝐽
Where the value of 𝑐𝑝 is 4.2
𝑘𝑔.(℃)

𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) Efficiency (%)

6.228 3.128 3.10 50.22
10.159 8.149 2.01 80.21
13.902 14.991 -1.089 107.83
15.070 23.564 -8.494 156.36
16.329 30.844 -14.515 188.89
Table 3a.3(i): Heat loss and efficiency

• The temperature efficiencies are calculated using the formulas:

(𝑻𝒉,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕 − 𝑻𝒉,𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕) (𝑻𝒄,𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕 − 𝑻𝒄,𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒆𝒕)

ℇ𝒉 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎% , ℇ𝒄 = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎%
(𝑻𝒉,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕 − 𝑻𝒄,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕 ) (𝑻𝒉,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕 − 𝑻𝒄,𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒕)

(ℇ𝒉 + ℇ𝒄 )
ℇ𝒉 =
𝟐
ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏
86.77 43.58 65.18
77.22 57.94 65.08
65.87 71.03 68.45
53.57 83.73 68.65
46.06 87.01 66.54
Table 3a.4(i): Temperature efficiencies
 • The formula for overall heat transfer coefficient is:
𝑸
𝑼=
𝑨. ∆𝑻𝒍𝒎
Temperature Hot Water Cold Water Hot Water Temperature Cold Water Temperature
Setting (℃) Flow Rate Flow Rate (℃) (℃)
(L/min) (L/min) 𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
4 49.8 39.2 26.2 48.3
8 49.9 35.2 26.1 45.4
50 10
12 50.1 32.4 26.2 41.9
16 50.2 31 26.3 39.3
20 49.8 30.1 26.5 37.4
Where 𝑨 = 1𝑚2 × 30plates = 30𝑚2
To obtain the value of 𝑄 and ∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 , the following formula are used:
(𝑻𝟏 − 𝒕𝟐 ) − (𝑻𝟐 − 𝒕𝟏 )
∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 =
(𝑻 − 𝒕𝟐 )
𝒍𝒏 ( 𝟏
𝑻𝟐 − 𝒕𝟏 )
(𝒒𝒄 − 𝒒𝒉 )
𝑸=
𝟐
∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑸 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑼 (𝑾/𝒎𝟐. ℃)
12.00 6.228 3.128 4.678 0.013
8.68 10.159 8.1490 9.154 0.035
7.93 13.902 14.991 14.447 0.061
7.25 15.070 23.564 1.317 0.089
7.73 16.329 30.844 23.587 0.102
Table 3a.4(i): Tlm and overall heat transfer coefficient

b) Effect of Cold Water Flow Rate

Table 3b.1(i): Inlet and Outlet Temperature of Hot and Cold water

𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) Efficiency (%)

2.961 6.173 -3.212 208.48
8.205 10.773 -2.568 131.30
14.823 13.148 1.675 88.70
21.442 14.518 6.924 67.71
27.495 15.213 12.282 55.33
Table 3b.2(i): Heat loss and efficiency
 ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏
Temperature Hot Water
44.92 Cold Water Hot93.64
Water Temperature Cold Water Temperature
69.28
Setting (℃) Flow 61.76
Rate Flow Rate (℃)81.09 (℃)
71.43
(L/min)
74.06 (L/min) 𝑇65.69
ℎ,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡
69.88 𝑇𝑐,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
80.33 49.8
54.39 34.9 26.6
67.36 44.1
84.55 53.7
46.78 36.4 26.6
65.67 47.1
50 12 10
60.1 38.6 26.6 51.8
64.5 40.2 26.6 55.4
69.3 41.9 26.5 59

Table 3b.3(i): Temperature efficiencies

∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑸 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑼 (𝑾/𝒎𝟐. ℃)

5.33 2.961 6.173 4.567 0.029
6.53 8.205 10.773 9.489 0.048
7.15 14.823 13.148 13.986 0.065
7.33 21.442 14.518 17.980 0.082
7.12 27.495 15.213 21.354 0.100
Table 3b.4(i): Tlm and overall heat transfer coefficient

c) Effect of Hot Water Temperature

Table 3c.1(i): Inlet and Outlet Temperature of Hot and Cold water

𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) Efficiency (%)

4.162 4.888 -0.726 117.44
9.657 11.443 -1.786 118.49
18.006 21.104 -3.098 117.21
27.138 32.163 -5.025 118.52
38.241 45.359 -7.118 118.61
Table 3c.2(i): Heat loss and efficiency

ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏

 64.22 75.43 69.83
63.84 75.65 69.75
64.18 75.22 69.70
Temperature Hot Water Cold Water Hot75.99
64.12 Water Temperature 70.06
Cold Water Temperature
Setting (℃) Flow 64.02
Rate Flow Rate (℃)75.93 (℃)
69.98
(L/min) (L/min) 𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
4 49.9 35.7 26.2 48.3
8 49.4 35.2 26.1 45.4
50 10
12 49.8 32.4 26.2 41.9
16 49.7 31 26.3 39.3
20 49.8 30.1 26.5 37.4

Table 3c.3(i): Temperature efficiencies

∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑸 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑼 (𝑾/𝒎𝟐. ℃)

6.92 4.162 4.888 4.525 0.022
8.09 9.657 11.443 10.550 0.043
10.04 18.006 21.104 19.555 0.065
11.20 27.138 32.163 29.650 0.088
12.68 38.241 45.359 41.800 0.110
Table 3c.4(i): Tlm and overall heat transfer coefficient

ii)Co-Current Plate Heat Exchanger

a) Effect of Hot Water Flow Rate
Water Flow Rate (L/min) Mass Flow Rate, 𝒎̇ (kg/s)
4 0.0665
8 0.1329
10 (cold water) 0.1662
12 0.1994
16 0.2659
20 0.3323

Table 3a.2(i): Volumetric and mass flow rate of water

b) Effect of Cold-Water Flow Rate
Temperature Hot Water Cold Water Hot Water Temperature Cold Water Temperature
Setting (℃) Flow Rate Flow Rate (℃) (℃)
(L/min) (L/min) 𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
4 50.3 43.1 28.2 41.7
8 49.9 39.9 28.1 38.9
50 10
12 50.0 37.9 28.0 36.8
16 49.4 36.2 27.9 34.8
20 50.3 35.6 27.9 34.0
Table 3b.1(ii): Inlet and Outlet Temperature of Hot and Cold water

𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) Efficiency (%)

2.011 3.771 -1.760 187.52
5.582 6.028 -0.446 107.99
10.134 7.370 2.764 72.73
14.741 7.706 7.035 52.28
20.516 8.514 12.002 41.50
Table 3b.2(ii): Heat loss and efficiency

ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏

32.58 61.09 46.84
45.87 49.54 47.71
55.00 40.00 47.50
61.40 32.09 46.75
65.63 27.23 46.43
Table 3b.3(ii): Temperature efficiencies

∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑸 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑼 (𝑾/𝒎𝟐. ℃)

11.46 2.011 3.771 2.891 0.008
11.40 5.582 6.028 5.805 0.017
11.47 10.134 7.370 8.752 0.025
11.16 14.741 7.706 11.224 0.034
11.47 20.516 8.514 14.515 0.042
Table 3b.4(ii): Tlm and overall heat transfer coefficient
c) Effect of Hot Water Temperature

Temperature Hot Water Cold Water Hot Water Temperature Cold Water Temperature
Setting (℃) Flow Rate Flow Rate (℃) (℃)
(L/min) (L/min) 𝑇ℎ,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇ℎ,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑖𝑛𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑇𝑐,𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡
49.5 39.8 28.0 38.7
54.1 42.5 28.0 41.1
50 12 10
59.3 45.6 28.1 43.4
64.0 48.3 28.2 45.1
69.7 52.8 28.9 46.2
Table 3c.1(ii): Inlet and Outlet Temperature of Hot and Cold water

𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) Efficiency (%)

2.709 2.989 -0.280 110.34
6.475 7.312 -0.837 112.93
11.473 12.813 -1.340 111.68
17.533 18.874 -1.341 107.65
23.587 24.145 -0.558 102.37

Table 3c.2(ii): Heat loss and efficiency

ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒉 (%) ℇ𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏

45.12 49.77 47.45
44.44 50.19 47.32
43.91 49.04 46.48
43.85 47.21 45.53
41.42 42.40 41.91

Table 3c.3(ii): Temperature efficiencies

∆𝑻𝒍𝒎 𝒒𝒉 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝒒𝒄 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑸 (𝒌𝑱/𝒔) 𝑼 (𝑾/𝒎𝟐. ℃)

11.29 2.709 2.989 2.849 0.008
13.74 6.475 7.312 6.894 0.017
16.69 11.473 12.813 12.143 0.024
19.49 17.533 18.874 18.204 0.031
23.70 23.587 24.145 23.866 0.034
Table 3c.4(ii): Tlm and overall heat transfer coefficient
3.2 Discussion
A heat exchanger is a device designed to transfer heat from one fluid medium to another. In
this experiment, we investigate the impact of flow rate on heat transfer using two distinct
flow types. The first type involves a counter-current flow arrangement in a plate heat
exchanger. Here, hot water and cold water enter the exchanger in opposite directions.
Consequently, the temperature of the hot water decreases while the temperature of the cold-
water increases. The second type of flow is known as co-current flow, where both hot and
cold water enter the heat exchanger in the same direction. The flow rate and inlet
temperatures are controlled according to predetermined values for both flow types.

Part A: Effect of Hot-Water Flow Rate: Comparison between Counter-current flow and
Co-current flow

Part B: Effect of Cold-Water Flow Rate: Comparison between Counter-current flow

and Co-current flow
The first variable to be changed in Experiment 5B, a co-current flow experiment, is the hot
water flow rate. A constant 50°C water temperature and a constant 10 L/min cold water flow
rate are specified. Due to the opposing flow directions of the hot fluid and cold water in a
counter-current flow, Q loss increases with the cold-water flow rate, producing an effective
heat transfer and a large temperature difference. For co-current flow, the Q loss also increases
with an increase of cold-water flowrate, however the Q loss results obtained for co-current
flow are much lower compared to that of counter-current flow. This is due to the fact that co-
current flow allows both fluids to flow in the same direction, thus limiting the temperature
difference.
Although there were some instances of temperature fluctuations, an overall trend can still be
observed. Increasing the flow rate of cold-water boosts efficiency in both setups. Counter
Current consistently surpasses Co-Current in efficiency at all flow rates, showing that it is
better in at exchanging heat.
Part C: Effect of Hot-Water Flow Temperature Settings: Comparison between Counter-
current flow and Co-current flow
CHAPTER 4

CONCLUSION
 REFERENCES
(Please use APA 6th format for reference)

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• Guan Shunfeng, & Sandro Macchietto. (2018). A Novel Dynamic Model of Plate Heat
Exchangers Subject to Fouling. Computer-Aided Chemical Engineering, 1679–1684.
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-444-64235-6.50292-8
• Bahman Zohuri. (2018). Heat Exchangers. Elsevier EBooks, 299–330.
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-814519-7.00012-4
• CPE Systems Inc. (2023, October 13). In plate heat exchangers, counter-current flow
maintains a consistent temperature difference between the two fluids throughout the
heat exchange process, leading to higher efficiency, reduced thermal stresses, and
improved overall performance. While parallel flow may have its applications, counter-
c. Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-counter-current-flow-mo re-
effective-than-parallel-
lzj7c#:~:text=Published%20Oct%2013%2C%202023,stresses%2C%20and%20impro
ved%20overall%20performance.
• saVRee. (2020, August 6). Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE). Savree.com; savree.com.
https://savree.com/en/encyclopedia/plate-heat-exchanger-phe
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APPENDICES