ABYC Diesel Practice Exam

Which tests are important to check the effectiveness of the heat exchanger?

1. Delta T and Delta P

2. Voltage and amperage

3. Purge and flush test

4. Temperature and pressure resilience

The correct answer is: Delta T and Delta P

The effectiveness of a heat exchanger is primarily evaluated through measurements of temperature difference (Delta T) and pressure difference (Delta P). Delta T measures the temperature variation between the fluid entering and exiting the heat exchanger. This difference indicates how well the heat exchanger transfers heat. A significant temperature drop in the fluid suggests effective heat transfer, while insufficient change could indicate fouling or inefficiencies in the system. Delta P, on the other hand, assesses the pressure drop across the heat exchanger. A higher than normal pressure drop can signal blockages, scaling, or other restrictions impeding flow. Monitoring both Delta T and Delta P provides a comprehensive view of the heat exchanger’s operational efficiency and helps identify issues before they lead to system failures. Other tests mentioned, such as voltage and amperage, do not specifically relate to heat exchanger performance but rather to electrical components like pumps. Purge and flush tests are useful for maintenance but do not directly measure heat exchanger effectiveness. Temperature and pressure resilience tests are important for system integrity but do not provide the necessary insight into the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchanger itself. Thus, Delta T and Delta P are the most pertinent for assessing heat exchanger performance.