CS-19-TR Shellside Vacuum Condensation Data for n-Heptane and a Noncondensable Gas
Current shellside condensation methods used to predict heat transfer coefficients are based on data collected near or above atmospheric pressure. The accuracy of these methods in vacuum conditions requires validation. HTRI collected heat transfer and pressure drop data in the Low Pressure Condensation Unit (LPCU) for shellside condensation of pure n-heptane and n-heptane plus nitrogen at vacuum pressures ranging from 2.8 to 48 kPa (21 to 360 Torr). Current HTRI methods underpredict the overall heat transfer coefficient for pure n-heptane and overpredict it for n-heptane plus nitrogen. Compared to the pure fluid, the addition of the noncondensable gas significantly reduced the measured heat exchanger duty. Acquired high-speed videos display the condensate drainage patterns and droplet interactions. This report presents the collected heat transfer and pressure drop data of shellside vacuum condensation.