Condensation-Filmwise and Dropwise
Condensation is the process of transition from a vapor to the liquid or solid state. The process is accompanied by liberation of heat energy due to the change 10 phase. When a vapour comes 10 contact with a surface maintained at a temperature lower than the saturation temperature of the vapour corresponding to the pressure at which it exists, the vapour condenses on the surface and the heat energy thus released has to be removed. The efficiency of the condensing unit is determined by the mode of condensation that takes place:
Filmwise - the condensing vapour forms a continuous film covering the entire surface,
Dropwise - the vapour condenses into small liquid droplets of various sizes. The dropwise condensation has a much higher rate of heat transfer than filmwise condensation because the condensate in dropwise condensation gets removed at a faster rate leading to better heat transfer between the vapour and the bare surface. .
It is therefore desirable to maintain a condition of dropwise condensation 1D commercial application. Dropwise condensation can only occur either on highly polished surfaces or on surfaces contaminated with certain chemicals. Filmwise condensation is expected to occur in most instances because the formation of dropwise condensation IS greatly influenced by the presence of non-condensable gases, the nature and composition of surfaces and the velocity of vapour past the surface.
Filmwise Condensation Mechanism on a Vertical Plane Surface--
Assumption
Let us consider a plane vertical surface at a constant temperature, Ts on which a pure vapour at saturation temperature, Tg (Tg > Ts) is condensing. The coordinates are: X-axis along the plane surface wit~ its origin at the top edge and Y-axis is normal to the plane surface as shown in Fig. 11.1. The condensing liquid would wet the solid surface, spread out and form a continuous film over the entire condensing surface. It is further assumed that
(i) the continuous film of liquid will flow downward (positive X-axis) under the action of gravity and its thickness would increase as more and more vapour condenses at the liquid - vapour interface,
Fig. 5.11 Filmwise condensation on a vertical and Inclined surface
(ii) the continuous film so formed would offer a thermal resistance between the vapour and the surface and would reduce the heat transfer rates,
(iii) the flow in the film would be laminar,
(iv)there would be no shear stress exerted at the liquid vapour interface,
(v) the temperature profile would be linear, and
(vi) the weight of the liquid film would be balanced by the viscous shear in the liquid film and the buoyant force due to the displaced vapour.
An Expression for the Liquid Film Thickness and the Heat Transfer Coefficient
Laminar Filmwise Condensation on a Vertical Plate
We choose a small element, as shown in Fig. 11.1 and by making a force balance, we
Write
rg dy-dx =dum/dy dx g + ry dxd -
zero, (a horizontal surface) we would get an absurd result. But these equations are valid for condensation on the outside surface of vertical tubes as long as the curvature of the tube surface is not too great.
