Numerical approach for cocurrent stratified steam water flow in a horizontal configuration

Abstract

The present study deals with the one-dimensional numerical approach in predicting the local flow properties for cocurrent stratified steam-water flow in a horizontal configuration. The turbulence-centered model, developed principally for gas absorption, has been modified and introduced for the condensation heat transfer coefficient using interfacial parameters, such as turbulent velocity and length scales. The calculated condensation rates, pressures and mean water layer thicknesses are in good agreement with Lim’s experimental data obtained from cocurrent stratified steam flow on a fairly thick layer of water. In addition, the approach was applied to the case of relatively thin liquid films, and the results were compared with Linehan’s experimental data. The comparison indicates that the one-dimensional numerical approach with the present condensation heat transfer correlation developed from the thick liquid data can be applicable to the prediction of the flow properties for thin liquid films.