Shape Factor Example 2

The shape factor can be modeled as a thermal resistance where

Rt=1/kS.

Therefore, it can be integrated into the electrical circuit analogy discussed

earlier. As an example, let us place a thick insulation layer with a
thickness of 10 cm around the pipe line. Now, determine the heat loss.

(Note: the following calculation will be an approximation, since the

addition of insulation the will cause the outer surface temperature of the
insulation to be non-constant. Accordingly, the assumption of isothermal
surfaces used in shape factors is not strictly valid. However, it is still a
reasonable assumption if the temperature variation is not very large. )

If we accept this, we can model the heat transfer as two-step process.

First, from the pipe through the insulator, followed by the second stage:
from the outer surface of the insulator to the ground.
 Shape Factor Example (cont.)
Rsoil=1/kS
D2: outer diameter Insulator through the soil to the ground
ln(r2 / r1 )
Pipe through insulator Rinsulator 
2kinsulator L
D1: pipe diameter
The thermal resistance from the insulator to the ground is
1 1 1
R soil     0.555(C / W )
k soil S k soil  2 L

ln(4 z / D2 ) 0.5
 2 .1 
 ln(4 / 0.7) 
 
ln( r2 / r1 ) ln(0.35 / 0.25)
Rinsulator    1.07(C / W )
2 kinsulator L 2 (0.05).1

Tpipe Tground
 Shape Factor Example (cont.)

Tpipe  Tground 100  ( 20)

q   73.85(W )
Rinsulator  Rsoil (0.555  1.07)

• The heat loss is significantly lower than that without the

insulator (q=181.2 W)
• Although the shape factor assumption is not exactly valid, but
the approximation should be good enough for most applications.
Especially in cases where only a first-order estimation is
needed.