A Prediction Method for Heat Transfer During Film Condensation on Horizontal Low Integral-Fin Tubes

Abstract

A method for predicting the average heat transfer coefficient is presented for film condensation on horizontal low integral-fin tubes. Approximate equations based on the numerical analysis of surface tension drained condensate flow on the fin surface are developed for the heat transfer coefficients in the upper and lower portions of the flooding point below which the interfin space is flooded with condensate. For the unflooded region, the equation is modified to take account of the effect of gravity. These equations are used, along with the previously derived equation for the flooding point, to determine the wall temperature distribution, and in turn the average heat transfer coefficient. It is shown that the present model can predict the average heat transfer coefficient within ±20 percent for most of the available experimental data including 11 fluids and 22 tubes.