Enter the heat exchanger capacity (but/h), the heat transfer coefficient (btu/ft^2*h*f), and the temperature difference (F) into the heat Exchanger Area Calculator. The calculator will evaluate the heat Exchanger Area. 

Heat Exchanger Area Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the heat Exchanger Area. 

A = C / (k*dT)
  • Where A is the heat Exchanger Area (ft^2)
  • C is the heat exchanger capacity (but/h) 
  • k is the heat transfer coefficient (btu/ft^2*h*f) 
  • dt is the temperature difference (F) 

To calculate the heat exchanger area, divide the heat exchanger capacity by the product of the change in temperature and the heat transfer coefficient.

How to Calculate Heat Exchanger Area?

The following two example problems outline the steps and information needed to calculate the Heat Exchanger Area.

Example Problem #1

  1. First, determine the heat exchanger capacity (but/h).
    • The heat exchanger capacity (but/h) is calculated to be : 1000.
  2. Next, determine the heat transfer coefficient (btu/ft^2*h*f).
    • The heat transfer coefficient (btu/ft^2*h*f) is measured to be: 2.
  3. Next, determine the temperature difference (F).
    • The temperature difference (F) is found to be: 3.
  4. Finally, calculate the Heat Exchanger Area using the formula above: 

A = C / (k*dT)

The values provided above are inserted into the equation below and computed.

A = 1000 / (2*3) = 166.67 (ft^2)

Example Problem #2

The variables required for this problem are provided below:

heat exchanger capacity (but/h) = 5000

heat transfer coefficient (btu/ft^2*h*f) = 3

temperature difference (F) = 4

Test your knowledge using the equation and check your answer with the calculator.

A = C / (k*dT) = (ft^2)