Results 1 to 11 of 11
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    228
    Rep Power
    18

    Question Heating tape puzzle



    Here is a practical brainteaser for you to try.

    I have a steel drum and need to keep it warm. The outside diameter is 500mm and the length is 10m. I decide that in the 10m length there should be 5 full circuits.

    Can you tell me the length of the heater tape?



  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Scotland
    Age
    46
    Posts
    1,454
    Rep Power
    21

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    7853.98163397448mm ?

    Oh wait, I just got the length without going from one end to the other.

    Chillin
    Last edited by chillin out; 27-03-2007 at 02:39 PM.
    IF AT FIRST YOU DON`T SUCCEED.
    DESTROY ALL EVIDENCE THAT YOU TRIED!
    and go get a cuppa

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Merate (LC) - Italy
    Age
    53
    Posts
    2,549
    Rep Power
    24

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    2 * pi * radius * turns = 7850mm plus loose ends for your convenience

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Doncaster, England
    Posts
    199
    Rep Power
    25

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    Do you need a new calculator?

    I make your sum 15,720 mm plus bits at end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Tony

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Merate (LC) - Italy
    Age
    53
    Posts
    2,549
    Rep Power
    24

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    2 * 3.14 * 250 * 5 = 7850mm. Do you need a new medical treatment?

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    England
    Posts
    1,843
    Rep Power
    21

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    Quote Originally Posted by nh3simman View Post
    Can you tell me the length of the heater tape?

    This much. [ ] x5

    taz holds his arms out simulateing this size of the cylinder.

    taz

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Location
    Nottingham UK
    Posts
    5,667
    Rep Power
    51

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    If the diameter is 500mm then the circumference is .5 *Pi = 1.57m

    If the vessel is 10m long with 5 full turns of tape then 1 full turn = 2m

    So, using Pythagarus, each tape length = sq rt of 1.57^2 + 2^2 = 2.54m

    Therefore, total length of heater tape = 2.54 x 5 = 12.72m

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Scotland
    Age
    46
    Posts
    1,454
    Rep Power
    21

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    Just worked it out properly and came up with the same as Frank.

    Well done for getting there 1st.

    Chillin
    IF AT FIRST YOU DON`T SUCCEED.
    DESTROY ALL EVIDENCE THAT YOU TRIED!
    and go get a cuppa

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    Merate (LC) - Italy
    Age
    53
    Posts
    2,549
    Rep Power
    24

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    Quote Originally Posted by frank View Post
    If the diameter is 500mm then the circumference is .5 *Pi = 1.57m

    If the vessel is 10m long with 5 full turns of tape then 1 full turn = 2m
    Oh, yes, the advancement shift must be considered as well. The drawing was deceptive.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    228
    Rep Power
    18

    Thumbs up Re: Heating tape puzzle

    Good answer Frank.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    Doncaster, England
    Posts
    199
    Rep Power
    25

    Re: Heating tape puzzle

    Sorry Nonickname, got confused with the length of the drum and the number of turns.
    Tony

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •