Condensation Heat Transfer on Laminar, Falling Film

Abstract

The process of condensation of vapors on a laminar, falling film of immiscible liquid is formulated within the framework of certain assumptions for a laminar, two-film model. The numerical solutions are presented for a wide range of parameters, and it is observed that the dynamics of the falling film has a profound influence on the condensation heat transfer rates. The condensation heat transfer coefficient is found to be a function of the modified Graetz number, subcooling parameter, and the heat capacity ratio of coolant-to-condensate. Further, shorter liquid film lengths would yield considerably high condensation heat transfer rates in comparison with the Nusselt analysis.