Heat is a form of energy. As we know matter is made up of atoms and molecules, atoms in molecules are always in motion represented by translation, rotation, and vibration. This motion leads to the generation of heat energy. The more the motion of atoms in molecules more is the generation of heat. This heat can only be transferred from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. Heat is transferred by conduction, convection, and radiation. Conduction is the main method by which heat is transferred through solids. In solids, no appreciable displacement of matter occurs. The flow of heat in non-metals is due to the transfer of vibrational energy from one molecule to another and, in the case of metals, by the movement of free electrons. In convection, energy is transferred from or to a region by the motion of fluids. The heat flow is caused by buoyancy forces (caused by the difference in temperature) induced by variations in the density of the fluid. All substances above absolute zero radiate heat in the form of electromagnetic waves. The radiation may be transmitted, reflected, or absorbed by matter; the fraction absorbed being transformed into heat. Thus, it is known that energy is transferred between systems either as heat or as work. The energy transfer that results across a finite temperature difference is heat transfer and the rest of the energy transfer interactions can be brought under one or other types of work transfer. Heat transfer involves the first and the second law of thermodynamics.
Objectives of Heat Transfer
We know that across a
finite temperature difference present between a system and its surrounding,
heat transfer depends upon the mode of heat transfer, for example, conduction,
convection, or radiation. The amount of heat (q) that transfers depends on
several parameters such as the system and surrounding temperatures, their
shape, relative movement or flow, and thermo-physical properties such as
specific heat, thermal conductivity, viscosity, and emissivity. These
parameters can be used in understanding the principle and mechanisms involved
in the heat transfer process which can be further exploited for rapid and
economical manufacturing of pharmaceutical API, intermediates, and finished
dosage forms.
The objectives of
heat transfer are given below:
- Formulate a basic equation for heat transfer problems.
- Calculate heat transfer between objects with simple geometries.
- Evaluate the impact of initial and boundary conditions on the solutions of a particular heat transfer issue.
- Recognize basic heat transfer mechanisms and apply appropriate methods for quantification.
- Evaluate the relative contributions of different modes of heat transfer.
- Perform an energy balance to determine temperature and heat flux.
- Apply heat transfer principles to design and size to evaluate the performance of heat exchangers.
Applications of Heat Transfer
- Evaporation:
Heat is supplied to convert a liquid into a vapour.
- Distillation:
Heat is supplied to the liquid mixture for the separation of individual vapour
components.
- Drying:
For drying the wet granules and other solids.
- Crystallization:
Saturated solution is heated to bring out supersaturation, which promotes the crystallization
of drugs.
- Sterilization:
Autoclaves are used with steam as a heating medium.
- Food processing industries:
The principles of heat transfer are widely used in food processing industries
for pasteurization, refrigeration, chilling, and freezing, and refrigerative
evaporation.
- Chemical process
industries: Heat transfer methods find a variety of
applications in the chemical process industries. The heating and cooling of
batch tanks will allow the user to calculate the time it takes to heat up and
then cool a batch vessel or tank.
- Manufacturing of bulk
drugs and dosage forms: Principles of heat transfer is of
significance in the manufacturing of various bulk drugs, excipients, and dosage
form.
Make sure you also check our other amazing Article on : Elutriation Tank