The opening chapters provide a refresher on the three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. However, unlike general physics texts, Kern immediately frames these concepts within process equipment. He discusses the overall heat transfer coefficient ($U$) early on, establishing it as the key performance metric for any exchanger.
Before diving into the technical aspects of the book, it is important to understand the author. Donald Q. Kern was not merely an academic; he was a practitioner. He served as the Vice President of Engineering at the C.F. Braun & Company, an engineering firm heavily involved in the construction of petroleum refineries and chemical plants. process heat transfer kern book pdf
Kern was an industrial engineer, not just an academic. The book is filled with real-world data, including: The opening chapters provide a refresher on the
Donald Q. Kern's Process Heat Transfer is widely regarded as the "gold standard" for chemical and process engineers. Originally published in 1950, it remains a cornerstone for understanding heat exchanger design methodology. Core Content and Structure Before diving into the technical aspects of the
Cost: Approximately $100-$150 USD (worth the investment for a career-long resource).
This book is a classic in the field of heat transfer and is widely used as a reference text. The book covers the fundamental principles of heat transfer and their application to various processes.
Whether you get a rare clean scan or buy the official ebook, using Kern requires a specific workflow: