Output of 1/2\" baseboard

Brad White_9

to an I=B=R standard so the ratings would be credible. There are several variables:

1) Flow velocity, sure. Less of a factor than you would think and in fact small tubes work better in some ways because of turbulence (wiping the inside of the pipe) versus laminar flow more likely in larger pipe sizes.

2) Flow rate; related to the above, but has more to do with the average water temperature. Not that large a factor within the range we are discussing. What, about 1.0 GPM? 10,000 BTU's? That is a lot of element supported right there.

3) Fin-Tube surface contact area. The circumference of 1/2" tubing at 5/8" OD is 1.963 inches. If 3/4" tubing (7/8" OD), it is 2.75 inches, a 40% increase (or 29% decrease going the other way). This of course works against gains in other areas.

4) Fin area to tube area ratio. With fins the same size, there is simply more fin available (marginally but they add up)...


Short list, some things to think about.

Brad

Bryan_16

I was looking for the output of 1/2" copper fin tube baseboard and found that Slant Fin rates it's Fine Line 15 almost identical for 1/2 and 3/4. Is that correct? I am aware that flow through the 1/2 will be less.