Optimal Insulation Thickness for a Reactor

by Danielle O'Connor

Submitted : Fall 2012

In this report a reactor was modeled in a spherical shape that was inefficient in design due to excessive and unnecessary heat loss. To find a reactor design with a higher efficiency rating, heat transfer equations were utilized to calculate an appropriate insulation thickness that would maximize efficiency and minimize annual cost. The specified insulation thickness restricts loss of heat through the reactor’s metal wall, while still maintaining an efficient balance between insulation cost and steam cost.

The cost of insulation adds a further component to this problem. As the cost must not exceed the benefit it includes or else the addition of such material would be counter-intuitive and irresponsible from a business standpoint. A trade-off between insulation cost and benefit must be evaluated to accurately determine the most minimal annual cost and optimal insulation thickness. Upon completion of this problem, an insulation thickness value of 0.18ft was calculated. With this specified thickness, annual cost decreases 95% to a cost of $2860.78.

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