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: Function of Baffles.
Baffles in heat exchangers generate fluid turbulence, thereby augmenting the heat transfer rate. They guide fluid flow across various heat exchanger sections, enhancing heat exchange efficiency.

Step 2: Option Analysis.
- (A) Reduce heat transfer area: Baffles maintain heat transfer area, they do not reduce it. - (B) Decrease pressure drop: Baffles generally increase pressure drop due to flow obstruction, promoting turbulence. - (C) Increase heat transfer rate: This is correct; baffles improve turbulence, thus boosting heat transfer rate. - (D) Decrease vibrations: Baffles are not designed for vibration reduction.

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