CT-13 Reflux Condensation Inside Vertical Tubes
Flooding limits the stability of liquid film falling along tube walls when vapor or a vapor/gas mixture is flowing upward. HTRI recently conducted a combined experimental and analytical study of vertical intube reflux condensation with experimental data obtained from the modified HTRI Multipurpose Condensation Unit (MCU). Using experimental data, we evaluated critical flooding methods found in the literature and developed new correlations for determining the critical vapor flooding mass velocity, heat and mass transfer, and two-phase pressure drop for reflux condensation. This report documents experimental data and correlations, describes the development of methods, compares software predictions with data, and presents conclusions and recommendations for rating and designing reflux condensers.