Assertion (A): It is not possible to determine LMTD in a counter flow ...
Assertion (A): It is not possible to determine LMTD in a counter flow heat exchanger with equal heat capacity rates of hot and cold fluids.
Reason (R): Because the temperature difference is invariant along the length of the heat exchanger.
The correct answer is option 'D': A is false but R is true
Explanation:
To understand why option D is the correct answer, let's analyze both the assertion (A) and the reason (R) individually.
Assertion (A): It is not possible to determine LMTD in a counter flow heat exchanger with equal heat capacity rates of hot and cold fluids.
Explanation of A:
LMTD stands for Logarithmic Mean Temperature Difference. It is a key parameter used in the design and analysis of heat exchangers. The LMTD is used to determine the heat transfer rate in a heat exchanger by taking into account the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids at different points along the length of the exchanger.
In a counter flow heat exchanger, the hot and cold fluids flow in opposite directions, which allows for a greater temperature difference between them. The LMTD is typically used to calculate the average temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids. However, if the heat capacity rates of the hot and cold fluids are equal, it means that they have the same ability to absorb or release heat. In this case, the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids remains constant along the length of the heat exchanger. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the LMTD since it requires a varying temperature difference.
Reason (R): Because the temperature difference is invariant along the length of the heat exchanger.
Explanation of R:
The reason states that the temperature difference between the hot and cold fluids is invariant along the length of the heat exchanger. In a counter flow heat exchanger with equal heat capacity rates, the hot and cold fluids enter the exchanger at different temperatures and gradually reach a point of equilibrium. As the fluids flow in opposite directions, their temperatures become more similar, resulting in a decreasing temperature difference along the length of the exchanger. However, since the heat capacity rates are equal, the temperature difference remains constant.
Conclusion:
While reason R is true, assertion A is false. It is possible to determine LMTD in a counter flow heat exchanger with equal heat capacity rates of hot and cold fluids. However, the LMTD will be a constant value rather than a varying value along the length of the heat exchanger. Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
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