A New Flow Regimes Map for Condensation Inside Horizontal Tubes

Abstract

The problem of predicting flow patterns during condensation inside horizontal tubes is discussed. Using the condensation flow pattern data of several investigators, a new flow regimes map with dimensionless gas velocity jg* as ordinate and (1-α)/α as abscissa, where α is the void fraction, is generated. Based on these data, a set of new criteria for the transition between different flow regimes is suggested. The proposed flow regimes map gives excellent agreement for annular, semiannular, and wavy flows which exist over a major part of the condensing length during condensation inside horizontal tubes.