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Plant engineering calculator · Updated Sep 17, 2026

Heat Exchanger Duty Calculator — Flow, Cp, ΔT & Energy Balance

Calculate hot- or cold-side heat duty from mass flow, specific heat and temperature change, then compare two entered sides with an energy-balance mismatch.

Inputs

Live engineering result

Hot-side duty 167.44 kW
Cold-side duty 167.0214 kW
Average indicated duty 167.2307 kW
Energy-balance mismatch 0.25031289%

Formula & worked example

Q=m·Cp·|Tout−Tin|.

2 kg/s of water changing by 10°C at 4.186 kJ/kg·K transfers about 83.7 kW.

Assumptions & limits

  • Sensible-heat model only; phase change requires enthalpy differences.
  • Large hot/cold duty mismatch indicates loss, bad measurements or inconsistent properties.

Frequently asked questions

What does this Heat Exchanger Duty Calculator calculate?

Calculate hot- or cold-side heat duty from mass flow, specific heat and temperature change, then compare two entered sides with an energy-balance mismatch.

Can I use the result for equipment selection?

Use the result as an engineering screening and cross-check. Confirm final selections against manufacturer performance data, design conditions, applicable standards and local code.

Why does MAXScanner show assumptions?

Plant calculations can move materially with pressure, temperature, fluid properties, diversity and operating conditions. Visible assumptions make the result auditable.

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