The Effect of Condensate Inundation on Condensation Heat Transfer in Tube Bundles of Marine Condensers.

Abstract

Experiments, under different conditions, were conducted to evaluate the effect of condensate inundation on condensation heat transfer in tube bundles of marine condensers. Five 15.9 mm. (5/8 in) nominal outside diameter, smooth stainless steel tubes were used in a vertical row to simulate an actual condenser. Tubes were located in an equilaterial triangular array with a spacing-to-diameter ratio of 1.5. Heat transfer performance was determined for each tube in bundle. Data was taken for condensing steam on the outside of each tube at about 21 KPa (3 psia) and at about 101 KPa (14.7 psia). Each tube was cooled by water on the inside at velocities of 0.78 to 6.22 m/sec (2.56 ft/sec to 20.42 ft/sec). The overall heat transfer coefficient was determined directly from experimental data. The inside and outside heat transfer coefficients were determined using the Wilson plot technique. Observation of condensate flow showed lateral droplet motion along the first three tubes in portions of the condenser under all conditions tested. Side drainage occurred only over the third and fourth tubes at a condensation pressure of about 21 KPa. The dominate mode of the flow at 101 KPa condensation pressure was gravitational flow. Outside heat transfer coefficients were higher than expected under all conditions when compared to the Nusselt theory. The reason for this is possibly due to secondary vapor flow. Recommendations to improve validations are provided. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1980
Accession Number
ADA097662

Entities

People

  • Ismail Demirel

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Barometric Pressure
  • Coefficients
  • Computer Programs
  • Condensation
  • Condenser Tubes
  • Experimental Data
  • Flow Rate
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Transfer
  • Heat Transfer Coefficients
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Pressure Gages
  • Schematic Diagrams
  • Stainless Steel
  • Steady State
  • Test Facilities
  • Thermal Conductivity

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster