Specific Heat Capacity of Liquids
Data and Interactive Sensible Heat Calculator
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1. Heat Duty Calculation Principles
The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a liquid (without phase change) is known as sensible heat. It is calculated using the following thermodynamic equation:
\[ Q = \dot{m} \cdot C_p \cdot (T_{out} - T_{in}) \]
Where:
- \( Q \) = Heat duty (kW or BTU/h)
- \( \dot{m} \) = Mass flow rate (kg/s or lb/h)
- \( C_p \) = Specific heat capacity (kJ/kg·K or BTU/lb·°F)
- \( T_{out} \) = Outlet temperature (°C or °F)
- \( T_{in} \) = Inlet temperature (°C or °F)
⚠️ ENGINEERING NOTICE & EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER: This interactive calculator is provided exclusively for preliminary estimation and educational purposes. It is not intended for detailed design or equipment procurement without certified vendor rating.
Sensible Heat Duty Calculator
Practical Engineering Rules of Thumb
- Thermal Expansion: Always check for liquid expansion in blocked-in lines; a small \(\Delta T\) can cause massive pressure increases in non-compressible liquids.
- Temperature Dependence: Specific heat increases slightly with temperature for most liquids. For large temperature ranges, use the average \(C_p\) at \( (T_{in} + T_{out}) / 2 \).
- Safety Margin: In heat exchanger sizing, apply a 10-15% over-surface margin to account for fouling and variations in \(C_p\).
2. Data Table: Specific Heat Capacity of Liquids
The values below are aggregated from multiple industrial sources. Note that \(C_p\) varies with temperature.
| Liquid | State / Detail | Temp (°C) | Specific Heat (kJ/kg.K) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Saturated Liquid | -33.3 | 4.43 |
| Ammonia | Saturated Liquid | -20 | 4.52 |
| Ammonia | Saturated Liquid | 0 | 4.6 |
| Ammonia | Saturated Liquid | 25 | 4.8 |
| Argon | Liquid | -185.6 | 1.14 |
| Benzene | Liquid | 20 | 1.72 |
| Brine | 20% NaCl by mass | 20 | 3.11 |
| n-Butane | Liquid | -0.5 | 2.31 |
| Carbon dioxide | Liquid | 0 | 0.59 |
| Ethanol | Liquid | 25 | 2.46 |
| Ethyl alcohol | Liquid | 20 | 2.84 |
| Ethylene glycol | Liquid | 20 | 2.84 |
| Glycerine | Liquid | 20 | 2.32 |
| Helium | Liquid | -268.9 | 22.8 |
| Hydrogen | Liquid | -252.8 | 10 |
| Isobutane | Liquid | -11.7 | 2.28 |
| Kerosene | Liquid | 20 | 2 |
| Mercury | Liquid | 25 | 0.139 |
| Methane | Liquid | -161.5 | 3.49 |
| Methanol | Liquid | 25 | 2.55 |
| Nitrogen | Liquid | -195.8 | 2.06 |
| Octane | Liquid | 20 | 2.1 |
| Oil (light) | Liquid | 25 | 1.8 |
| Oxygen | Liquid | -183 | 1.71 |
| Petroleum | Liquid | 20 | 2 |
| Propane | Liquid | 0 | 2.53 |
| Refrigerant-134a | Saturated Liquid | 25 | 1.43 |
| Water | Liquid | 0 | 4.22 |
| Water | Liquid | 25 | 4.18 |
| Water | Liquid | 100 | 4.22 |