Capillary Blocking in Forced Convective Condensation in Horizontal Miniature Channels

Abstract

Forced convective condensation in miniature channels is investigated numerically. Capillary blocking that occurs due to condensation in a horizontal miniature tube and between parallel plates is simulated by using the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method. The effects of vapor inlet velocity, saturation temperature, surface tension, and diameter on effective condensation length, film thickness, and heat transfer coefficient are investigated. The film thickness and the condensation length decrease as the hydraulic diameter or the distance between parallel plates decreases. When the total mass flow rate drops, the condensation length decreases significantly.