Critical Review of Correlations for Predicting Two-Phase Flow Pressure Drop across Tube Banks

Abstract

Published correlations for predicting the two-phase flow pressure drop across ideal tube banks are reviewed and compared with experimental data. No presently available methods can be considered general enough for use under all conditions. The Martinelli-type method used for tube-side pressure drop correlation appears to be a basically usable approach if correspondingly modified. All available data are reasonably well represented in terms of the Martinelli parameters at low liquid loading (Xtt small). At high liquid loading ( Xtt large) there is increasing scatter and additional parameters are needed. Substantial improvement is believed to be possible by adjustment of the Martinelli model through recognition of the different flow regimes.