Nucleate Pool Boiling of Nitrogen With Different Surface Conditions

Abstract

Pool-boiling heat transfer of liquid nitrogen from circular, 1-in.-dia horizontal disks was studied. Surface conditions included copper and nickel mirror finishes, and copper surfaces which were roughened, grease-coated, and Teflon-coated. Artificial cavities were manufactured, including mechanically drilled cylindrical holes of diameter 0.0043 and 0.015 in., and also a 0.022-in.-dia spark cut conical hole. Results indicate that a systematic testing procedure is necessary to obtain reproducible nucleate-boiling data. Surface roughness and surface material alter the nucleate-boiling curve. A grease coating significantly decreases the nucleate-boiling heat-transfer coefficient. A Teflon coating has very little effect. Past history of the test surface, including the length of time spent while boiling, can change boiling results. The effect of artificial cavities on both natural convection and nucleate-boiling was determined.