Question

Baffles are provided in heat exchangers to:

• A. decrease heat transfer area
• B. decrease pressure drop
• C. increase rate of heat transfer
• D. decrease vibrations

Hint:

In heat exchangers, baffles are primarily used to enhance heat transfer by increasing turbulence, not by reducing pressure drop or vibrations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the function of baffles.
Baffles are used in heat exchangers to promote turbulence in the fluid, which increases the heat transfer rate. They help to direct the flow of fluid, causing it to pass through different sections of the heat exchanger, increasing the heat exchange efficiency.

Step 2: Analysis of options.
- (A) decrease heat transfer area: Baffles do not decrease heat transfer area; they help maintain the area available for heat exchange. - (B) decrease pressure drop: Baffles typically cause some increase in pressure drop as they obstruct flow, which can lead to more turbulent flow. - (C) increase rate of heat transfer: This is the correct option as baffles enhance turbulence and thus increase the heat transfer rate. - (D) decrease vibrations: Baffles are not intended to reduce vibrations in the system.

Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{C) increase rate of heat transfer}} \]