Condensation inside smooth horizontal tubes: Part 1. Survey of the methods of heat-exchange prediction

Abstract

Survey of the works on condensation inside smooth horizontal tubes published from 1955 to 2013 has been performed. Theoretical and experimental investigations, as well as more than twenty five methods and correlations for heat transfer prediction are considered. It is shown that accuracy of this prediction depends on the accuracy of volumetric vapor content and pressure drop at the interphase. The necessity of new studies concerning both local heat transfer coefficients and film condensation along tube perimeter and length under annular, stratified, and intermediate regimes of phase flow was substantiated. These characteristics being defined will allow determining more precisely the boundaries of the flow regimes and the methods of heat transfer prediction.