Condensate Drop Movement by Applying Bulk Temperature Gradient on Heat Transfer Surface in Marangoni Condensation

Abstract

The spontaneous movement of condensate drops by applying bulk temperature gradient on the heat transfer surface in Marangoni condensation was investigated, considering the application to the heat transfer devices. In Marangoni condensation process, the removal of condensate on the heat transfer surface is important to keep good heat transfer. It may be useful for the heat transfer device in which the liquid movement occurs without external forces such as gravity, vapor shear force. As a result of experiment using water-ethanol vapor mixture, the movement of droplets from low temperature-side to high temperature-side could be observed on the heat transfer surface arranged horizontally. The relation between the velocity of drop movement and the gradient of surface tension was studied for different concentrations. Furthermore, the effect of inclination of condensing surface was examined.