AbstractA generic dynamic model for the crossflow heat exchanger suitable for process emulation is presented. The finite difference technique is used to formulate the model solution under the influence of arbitrary transient inputs in both temperature and flow. By selecting a particular application of the model, namely the tubular air prehcater of a typical boiler plant, steady-state tests can be performed to establish the nodal sensitivity of the numerical technique. Finally, transient tests on two versions of the model (constant fluid properties and lumped variable fluid properties) are conducted to investigate the validity of constant property models for accurate dynamic simulation.