Forced convective condensation

From Thermal-FluidsPedia

Two-phase flow regimes for forced convective condensation

Convective condensation in tubes occurs in the condensers of air-conditioning systems and refrigerators. Depending on the tube’s geometric configuration, condensation within can be classified as condensation in vertical or horizontal tubes. Condensation in a vertical tube is relatively simple, because gravity acts parallel to the flow direction and, consequently, an annular liquid film forms on the inner surface of the tube. Therefore, the flow pattern for condensation in a vertical tube is limited to annular flow, and an analytical solution can easily be obtained. Condensation in a horizontal tube, on the other hand, is much more complicated, because gravity acts perpendicularly to the flow direction and various flow patterns are possible. When condensation occurs in a horizontal tube, different flow regimes are observed at different positions along its length.

See Main Article Two-Phase Flow Regimes for Forced Convective Condensation

Heat transfer predictions for forced convective condensation

Heat transfer characteristics for convective condensation in a tube depend strongly on the flow regimes and the different structures of their liquid-vapor interfaces. Heat transfer in stratified and annular regimes has been extensively studied, and different correlations based on theoretical analysis and experimental data have been proposed.

See Main Article Heat Transfer Predictions for Forced Convective Condensation

References

Faghri, A., and Zhang, Y., 2006, Transport Phenomena in Multiphase Systems, Elsevier, Burlington, MA