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Need sizing info for aircooled radiator

Need sizing info for aircooled radiator

Need sizing info for aircooled radiator

(OP)
We have a reclaimed radiator type oil cooler.
We want to use it for a different application, but I have limited design information on the unit.

Can someone direct me to a good resource for basic heat transfer calculations on fintube, air-cooled radiators?

Thanks

RE: Need sizing info for aircooled radiator

Given the number of measurements you'd need to make to get any sort of accurate calculation, wouldn't it be easier to just measure the performance?

TTFN

RE: Need sizing info for aircooled radiator

(OP)
IRStuff.. I was planning to do that, but It is not in service and needs to be setup to a reservoir etc. before I can do that.
I just wanted to carry out some rough cals. beforehand...

RE: Need sizing info for aircooled radiator

CDCosta:

IRstuff is absolutely right.  Unless the project is worth $100,000 to 200,000  I wouldn't mess with trying to calculate the air-side film coefficients (that's what will be controlling).  The results you get will be of little value unless you have empirical backup or testing on the unit.  The air-side coefficients are hell to predict and worse to calculate.  Few would put any faith on the results of any theoretical calculations.

If you don't want to test, then I recommend you use an overall U of 15-20 Btu/hr-ft2-oF (for water cooling) as a design figure.  That's what I have found works in the past.  Of course, I'm assuming you have fins in decent shape and the unit is cleaned as-new and you have good, strong air fans on it.  I'm also assuming you are going to be well within the turbulent zone on the tube side.  That's what I would do if I couldn't test the unit.

Art Montemayor
Spring, TX

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