What is the consequence of a drop in velocity of liquid in a heat exchanger?

A drop in velocity of liquid in a heat exchanger generally leads to a decrease in the rate of heat transfer, which can ultimately result in an increase in the temperature of the liquid. This occurs because as the flow velocity decreases, the liquid spends more time in the heat exchanger, allowing it to absorb more heat from the heat source. Consequently, the temperature of the liquid rises during this extended period of heat exchange.

In a heat exchanger, maintaining an adequate flow velocity is crucial for efficient heat transfer. When the velocity decreases, the turbulence of the fluid flow diminishes, reducing the overall heat transfer coefficient. As a result, while the fluid remains in contact with the heating surface, it can absorb more thermal energy, which increases its temperature.

In this context, the other options do not reflect the nature of fluid dynamics in heat exchangers when a drop in velocity occurs. Understanding this relationship is essential for effective operation and management of heat exchangers in various industrial applications.