A Generalized Prediction Method for Heat Transfer During Film Condensation on Horizontal Low Integral-Fin Tubes

Abstract

A theoretical model for film condensation on a horizontal low integral-fin tube proposed in a p. revious p. ap. er is extended to include the effects of condensate flow and heat transfer at the fin root tube surface. Based on the numerical results, approximate expressions for the circumferential condensate flow rate and the heat transfer rate at the fin root tube surface are proposed. These expressions are incorporated into a set of algebraic equations which are solved simultaneously to obtain the local wall temperatures and the local heat transfer rates at the fin surface and at the fin root tube surface of the flooded and unflooded regions of the tube. The calculated values of the average heat transfer coefficient compared well with the available experimental data.