Users Also Read
MCQ's Search Engine
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Automobile Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electronics Engineering
Medical Science Engg
What kind of concerns is associated with temperature pinch points in condensers?
Be extra careful when condensers are designed with a small pinch point.
A pinch point is the smallest temperature difference on a temperature vs heat content plot that shows both streams.
If the actual pressure is less than the process design operating pressure, there can be a significant loss of heat transfer.
This is especially true of fluids that have a relative flat vapor pressure plot like ammonia or propane.
For example, If an ammonia condenser is designed for 247 PSIA operating pressure and the actual pressure is 5 PSI less and the pinch point is 80F. There can be a 16% drop in heat transfer.
A pinch point is the smallest temperature difference on a temperature vs heat content plot that shows both streams.
If the actual pressure is less than the process design operating pressure, there can be a significant loss of heat transfer.
This is especially true of fluids that have a relative flat vapor pressure plot like ammonia or propane.
For example, If an ammonia condenser is designed for 247 PSIA operating pressure and the actual pressure is 5 PSI less and the pinch point is 80F. There can be a 16% drop in heat transfer.