Condensation in horizontal tubes, part 1: two-phase flow pattern map

Abstract

Abstract A new flow pattern map and flow pattern based heat transfer model for condensation inside horizontal plain tubes are proposed in this two-part paper. In Part I, a new version of a two-phase flow pattern map, originally developed by Kattan et al. [J. Heat Transfer 120 (1998) 140] for flow boiling, is presented for condensation inside horizontal tubes while a new heat transfer model is presented in Part II. The new flow pattern map incorporates a newly defined logarithmic mean void fraction (LM e ) method for calculation of vapor void fractions spanning from low pressures up to pressures near the critical point. Several other modifications are also made that are appropriate for condensation as opposed to evaporation. In the absence of void fraction data at high reduced pressures for these conditions, the new LM e method has been indirectly validated using the convective condensation model for annular flow and corresponding heat transfer test data at reduced pressures up to 0.8. The new map has also been successfully compared to some recent flow pattern observations for condensation and other existing flow transition criteria and maps.