Characterization of direct contact condensation of steam jets discharging into a subcooled water

Abstract

Direct contact condensation of steam jets discharging into a subcooled pool water has been experimentally investigated using five different sizes of horizontal nozzle over a wide range of steam mass flux and pool temperature conditions. Condensation phenomena have been observed visually and by taking pictures of steam jets using a video camera. Three kinds of steam jet shape were typically observed, which are dependent on the steam mass flux and pool temperature. The jet expansion ratio and the jet length as well as the condensation heat transfer coefficients were determined. The effect of steam mass flux, pool temperature, and nozzle diameter on these parameters were also discussed. The axial and radial temperature distributions in steam jet and in surrounding pool water as well as the dynamic pressure at the tank wall were measured under various test conditions. In addition, the relation between steam condensation and dynamic pressure at the tank wall was also discussed, which is dependent also on the steam mass flux and pool temperature. (author)