SUMMARY

The fundamental purposes of this experiment were to observe the phenomenon of film type
condensation and to estimate the steam side heat transfer coefficient. Other objectives were to
estimate the overall heat transfer coefficient of water, study the variation of local convection
coefficient and film thickness with distance from the top of the tube. Alongside the estimation of
heat loss to the surrounding, determining the effect of velocity of water through a tube on the
overall heat transfer coefficient and finding out the relationship between wall temperature with
either of mass flow rate and heat load were also part of the objectives. For the experimental
purpose, water at room temperature was supplied into the K type copper tube while steam was
flowing through the outer glass shell. Film condensation was observed on the outer surface of K
copper tube. The experiment had been conducted for three particular pressures (5,10 and 15 psig)
with different flowrates. Properties of water at a mean temperature and a film temperature were
measured and these values also helped to determine the above mentioned objective parameters. In
this experiment, the water side heat transfer coefficient, ho was found to be in the range of 4648.61
W/m2K and 4686 W/m2K. The experimental value of the overall heat transfer coefficient varied
between 224.15 W/m2K and 581.78 W/m2K. Heat loss to the surroundings varied from 3.16% to
14.19%. The local heat transfer coefficients were in the range of 2972.48 W/m2℃ and 3930.55
W/m2 ℃.
EXPERIMENTAL
Apparatus

 Stop watch
 Weighing machine
 Bucket for collecting condensate

Experimental setup

Figure 01: Schematic diagram of experimental setup of steam condensation in a single vertical
tube
Procedure

 Cooling water was run through the condenser and the rate of flow to the desired value was
adjusted.
 Steam of known quality was introduced at the desired pressure
 The thermometers were read occasionally until the system had reached equilibrium.
 The condensate was collected and weighed over an interval of several minutes.
 The cooling water flow rate as well as the inlet and outlet water temperatures were
recorded.
 The experiment was repeated 3 times at various rates of water flow keeping the steam
pressure constant.
 The experiment was conducted at various steam pressures. (5 psig, 10 psig and 15 psig).
OBSERVED DATA
Pipe Specifications: ½ inch standard type K copper tubing
Length= 64 inch =1.6256 m
Diameter of glass cylinder=2 inch of vertical tube = 1.6256 m
Outer Diameter = 0.625 in. = 0.01588 m
Inner Diameter = 0.525 in = 0.01334 m

Table 01: Observed data for study of steam condensation on a single vertical tube

Weight of
Water Temperature Volume of condensate
Steam Duration of Duration time,
(℃) Water, (g),
Pressure time, 𝑡𝑤 𝑡𝑐
V 𝑊𝑐
(Psig) (sec) (sec)
(L) (without
Inlet Outlet
bucket)

29.3 11.94 78

28.2 9.79 76.3

28 8.19 80.7

5
27.9 8.06 75.5
25 1 120

34 14.1 134.3

32 10.19 150

31 9.14 151.7
10
30.8 8.36 129.1
Table 01 cont’d

Water Temperature Weight of

(℃) Volume of condensate

Steam Duration of Duration time,
Water, (g),
Pressure time, 𝑡𝑤 𝑡𝑐
V 𝑊𝑐
(Psig) (sec) (sec)
Inlet Outlet (L) (without
bucket)

34 10 107.3

33 8.45 103.3
25 1 60
15 32.5 8.35 97.8

32 7.92 87.8
CALCULATED DATA

Table 02: Properties of water at mean temperature

Viscosity, Specific
Mean Density of Mass flow
Steam Heat
temperature of Water, μm × 10 4
rate of water, Velocity,
pressure Capacity,
water, ρm (pa.s) Mw v (m/s)
(psig) Cp,m
Tm (°C) (kg/m3) (kg/s)
(J/kg.°C)

27.15 995.72 8.561 4178.0 0.083 0.595

26.60 995.82 8.674 4179.0 0.102 0.726

5
26.50 995.85 8.694 4179.0 0.122 0.868

26.45 995.86 8.700 4179.0 0.124 0.882

29.50 995.8 8.115 4176.4 0.071 0.504

28.50 996.09 8.287 4177.3 0.098 0.697

10
28.00 996.24 8.372 4177.8 0.109 0.778

27.90 996.26 8.389 4177.9 0.119 0.850

29.50 995.34 8.115 4176.4 0.100 0.711

29.00 995.42 8.201 4176.9 0.118 0.841

15
28.75 995.46 8.244 4177.1 0.119 0.851

28.50 995.50 8.287 4177.3 0.126 0.897

Table 03: Data for calculation of condensate flow rate and saturation, wall and film temperature

Mass flow rate

Steam Saturation
of Heat of Wall Film
pressure temperature of
condensate, Mc vaporization temperature, Tw temperature,
× 104 steam, Ts
(psig) (KJ/Kg) (°C) Tf (°C)
(°C)
(kg/sec)

6.50 67.76 88.07

6.36 67.49 87.93

5 108.4 2234.34
6.73 67.44 87.90

6.29 67.41 87.89

11.2 72.38 93.81

12.5 71.88 93.56

115.0 2215.61
10
12.6 71.63 93.44

10.8 71.58 93.41

17.9 75.22 98.07

17.2 74.97 97.95

15 120.5 2199.24
16.3 74.84 97.89

14.6 74.72 97.82

Table 04: Properties of water at film temperature

Steam Film Density Viscosity Thermal Specific Prandtl Reynolds

pressure temperature, Ρf μf conductivity, no. No.
Heat
(psig) Tf (°C) (kg/m3) (Kg/m.s) kf
Pr. = Cp μf Re
×104 (W.m-1.K-1) Capacity,
/kf
Cp,f
(J/kg.°C)

88.07 966.52 3.26 0.675 2.007 161.5

87.93 966.61 3.26 0.675 2.010 157.8

4200
5
87.90 966.62 3.27 0.675 2.010 167.0

87.89 966.63 3.27 0.675 2.011 156.0

93.81 962.85 3.04 0.678 1.97 296.8

93.56 963.03 3.05 0.678 1.99 328.2

10 4208
93.44 963.12 3.06 0.678 2.00 330.5

93.41 963.14 3.06 0.678 2.00 280.7

98.07 959.73 2.89 0.680 1.95 507.8

97.95 959.82 2.90 0.680 1.96 475.4

15 4213
97.89 959.87 2.90 0.680 1.96 445.5

97.82 959.91 2.90 0.680 1.97 397.2

Table 05: Calculated data for heat flow rates and overall heat transfer co-efficient

Overall heat
Rate of Rate of heat Mean rate of Steam Side LMTD transfer
Steam
heat given up by heat Percent Heat transfer coefficient, U
Pressure taken by steam, Qc flow, Qm loss of coefficient, ho ∆Tm (W/m2.
water, heat, % °C)
(psig) (J/s) (J/s) (W/m2.°C) (°C)
Qw (J/s)

1498.20 1452.35 1475.27 3.16 4686.00 81.22 224.15

1360.26 1420.69 1390.47 4.25 4676.51 81.78 209.80

5
1524.42 1502.62 1513.52 1.45 4674.75 81.88 228.09

1497.39 1405.80 1451.59 6.52 4673.69 81.93 218.62

2653.36 2479.57 2566.47 7.01 4508.77 85.42 439.28

2856.67 2769.44 2813.06 3.15 4480.79 86.45 475.75

10
2730.42 2800.82 2765.62 2.51 4467.68 86.97 464.95

2885.79 2383.56 2634.68 21.07 4463.73 87.07 442.43

3741.24 3933.58 3837.41 4.89 4669.46 91.36 636.71

3936.35 3786.94 3861.65 3.95 4656.71 91.87 626.56

15
3734.85 3585.32 3660.08 4.17 4652.87 92.13 592.83

3675.44 3218.72 3447.08 14.19 4648.61 92.39 581.78

Table 06: Data for average thickness of the condensate film & average local heat transfer co-
efficient for z1=0.5m.

Thickness of the Local heat transfer

Steam
condensate co- Average hlocal
Pressure Average,
film, yf×104 yf×104(m) efficient, hlocal
(W/m2.°C)
(psig)
(m) (W/m2.°C)

1.7147 3937.49

1.7182 3929.52
5 1.7178 3930.55
1.7189 3928.04

1.7192 3927.15

1.6932 3937.73

1.7017 3923.80
10 1.7019 3915.66
1.7056 3917.07

1.7069 3915.66

1.7350 3925.62

1.7378 3912.88
15 1.7382 3912.31
1.7393 3909.65

1.7409 3906.08
Table 07: Data for average thickness of the condensate film & average local heat transfer co-
efficient for z1=1 m.

Thickness of the Local heat

Steam
condensate transfer co- Average hlocal
Pressure Average,
film, yf×104 yf×104(m) efficient, hlocal
(W/m2.°C)
(psig)
(m) (W/m2.°C)

2.0392 3311.02

2.0433 3304.31
5 2.0428 3305.19
2.0441 3303.07

2.0445 3302.33

2.0476 3311.22

2.0549 3299.51
10 2.055 3298.31
2.0584 3293.85

2.0591 3292.67

2.0632 3295.80

2.0667 3290.33
15 2.0671 3289.60
2.0684 3287.61

2.0703 3284.61
Table 08: Data for average thickness of the condensate film & average local heat transfer co-
efficient for z1=1.5 m.

Thickness of the Local heat

Steam
condensate transfer co- Average hlocal
Pressure Average,
film, yf×104 yf×104(m) efficient, hlocal
(W/m2.°C)
(psig)
(m) (W/m2.°C)

2.2567 2991.85

2.2613 2985.79
2986.57
5 2.2607
2.2621 2984.66

2.2626 2983.99

2.2660 2992.03

2.2741 2981.44
2.274 2981.26
10
2.2780 2976.33

2.2788 2975.26

2.2833 2978.09

2.2871 2973.15
2.2877
15 2972.48
2.2890 2970.69

2.2911 2967.98
GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION

Overall heat transfer coefficient vs. velocity of water

(5 psig steam pressure)
230
Overall heat transfer coefficient,U(W/m2℃)

225

220

215

210

205
0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9

Velocity,v(m/s)

Figure 02: Overall heat transfer coefficient vs velocity of water for 5 psig steam pressure
 Overall heat transfer coefficient vs. velocity of water
(10 psig steam pressure)
Overall heat transfer coefficient,U(W/m2℃)

480

475

470

465

460

455

450

445

440

435
0.5 0.55 0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9
Velocity,v(m/s)

Figure 03: Overall heat transfer coefficient vs velocity of water for 10 psig steam pressure

Overall heat transfer coefficient vs. velocity of water

(15 psig steam pressure)
Overall heat transfer coefficient,U(W/m2℃)

630
625
620
615
610
605
600
595
590
585
580
575
0.7 0.72 0.74 0.76 0.78 0.8 0.82 0.84 0.86 0.88 0.9
Velocity,v(m/s)

Figure 04: Overall heat transfer coefficient vs velocity of water for 15 psig steam pressure
 Film thickness vs. distance from the top of the
column (5 psig pressure)
2.4

2.3
Film thickness, y×104 (m)

2.2

2.1

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Distance from the top of the column,z

Figure 05: Film thickness vs distance from the top of the column for 5 psig pressure

Film thickness vs. distance from the top of the

column (10 psig pressure)
2.4

2.3
Film thickness, y×104 (m)

2.2

2.1

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Distance from the top of the column,z

Figure 06: Film thickness vs distance from the top of the column for 10 psig pressure
 Film thickness vs. distance from the top of the
column (15 psig pressure)
2.4

2.3
Film thickness, y×104 (m)

2.2

2.1

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Distance from the top of the column,z

Figure 07: Film thickness vs distance from the top of the column for 15 psig pressure

Hlocal vs. distance from the top of the column

(5 psig pressure)
4100

3900

3700
Hlocal (W/m2℃)

3500

3300

3100

2900

2700

2500
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
distance from the top of the column , z(m)

Figure 08: Hlocal vs. distance from the top of the column for 5 psig pressure
 Hlocal vs. distance from the top of the column
(10 psig pressure)
4100

3900

3700
Hlocal (W/m2℃)

3500

3300

3100

2900

2700

2500
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6

distance from the top of the column , z(m)

Figure 09: Hlocal vs. distance from the top of the column for 10 psig pressure

Hlocal vs. distance from the top of the column

4100
(15 psig pressure)
3900

3700
Hlocal (W/m2℃)

3500

3300

3100

2900

2700

2500
0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
distance from the top of the column , z(m)

Figure 10: Hlocal vs. distance from the top of the column for 15 psig pressure
 Heat load of water vs. wall temperature
(5 psig steam pressure)
1560
Heat load of water,Qw (J/s)

1520

1480

1440

1400

1360

1320
67.35 67.4 67.45 67.5 67.55 67.6 67.65 67.7 67.75 67.8
Wall temperature, Tw (℃)

Figure 11: Heat load of water vs. wall temp for 5 psig steam pressure

Heat load of water vs. wall temperature

(10 psig steam pressure)
2920
Heat load of water,Qw (J/s)

2880

2840

2800

2760

2720

2680

2640
71.5 71.6 71.7 71.8 71.9 72 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4 72.5
Wall temperature, Tw (℃)

Figure 12: Heat load of water vs. wall temp for 10 psig steam pressure
 Heat load of water vs. wall temperature
(15 psig steam pressure)
3960
Heat load of water,Qw (J/s)

3920

3880

3840

3800

3760

3720

3680

3640
74.6 74.7 74.8 74.9 75 75.1 75.2 75.3
Wall temperature, Tw (℃)

Figure 13: Heat load of water vs. wall temp for 15 psig steam pressure

Mass flow rate of water vs. wall temperature

(5 psig steam pressure)
Mass flow rate of water , Mw(kg/s)

0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04
67.35 67.4 67.45 67.5 67.55 67.6 67.65 67.7 67.75 67.8

Wall temperature, Tw (℃)

Figure 14: Mass flow rate of water vs. wall temperature for 5 psig steam pressure
 Mass flow rate of water vs. wall temperature
(10 psig steam pressure)
Mass flow rate of water , Mw(kg/s)

0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0
71.5 71.6 71.7 71.8 71.9 72 72.1 72.2 72.3 72.4 72.5
Wall temperature, Tw (℃)

Figure 15: Mass flow rate of water vs. wall temperature for 10 psig steam pressure

Mass flow rate of water vs wall temperature

(15 psig steam pressure)
Mass flow rate of water , Mw(kg/s)

0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0
74.6 74.7 74.8 74.9 75 75.1 75.2 75.3
Wall temperature, Tw (℃)

Figure 16: Mass flow rate of water vs. wall temperature for 15 psig steam pressure
SAMPLE CALCULATION

𝜋𝐷𝑖2
Inside flow area, Ai = 4
𝜋 × 0.03342
= = 1.41 × 10-4 m2
4

Inside surface area (taken as the condenser heat transfer area), Ac = π×Di×L
= π× 0.01334 × 1.626
= 0.068 m2

For observation no. 02, at 5 psig steam pressure

Water collection time, tw= 9.79sec

Inlet water temperature, T1 = 25°C

Outlet water temperature, T2 = 28.2°C

Weight of condensate collected, Wc = 0.0763kg

Condensate collection time, tc= 120sec

T1 + T2 25+28.2
Mean Temperature, Tm = = 2 °C
2

= 26.60°C

Properties of water at Mean Temperature

Density, ρm = 995.82kg/m3

Dynamic viscosity, µm = 0.0008674 Pa.s

Specific heat capacity, Cp,m= 4179.0 J/kg.K

[Reference: Holman, J.P., ‘Heat Transfer’, Appendix: Table A.9]

𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 ×𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦

Mass flow rate of water, Mw = 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒

0.001 ×995.82
= = 0.102 kg/s
10
 Mass of condensate 0.0763
Mass flow rate of condensate, Mc = = 120 kg/s
tc

= 0.000636kg/s

Properties of steam at 5 psig

Saturation temperature of steam at 5 psig pressure, Ts = 108.5°C

Heat of vaporization at 5 psig pressure, λs= 2234.34 kJ/kg
Density of vapor, ρv = 0.220kg/m3
[Reference: Felder, R. M., & Rousseau, R. W. (2010), Elementary Principles of Chemical
Processes (3rd Edition), New Delhi, Wiley India (P) Ltd., p-646, Table: B-6]

(Ts + Tm )
Tube wall temperature on steam side, Tw =
2
108.4+26.60
= °C
2

= 67.49°C

(Ts + Tw)
Film temperature, Tf=
2
108.4+67.49
= °C
2

= 87.93 °C

Heat flow calculation

Rate of heat taken by water, Qw = Mw × Cp,m× (T2 – T1)

= 0.102×4179× (28.2-25) J/s

= 1360.26 J/s

Rate of heat given up by steam, Qc = Mc × λs

= 0.000636× 2234.34 × 1000 J/s

= 1420.69 J/s
 (Qw + Qc)
Mean rate of heat flow, Qm=
2
1360.26+1420.69
= J/s
2

= 1390.47J/s
| Qc - Qw) |
Percent heat loss =  100 %
Qc

= 4.25%

Properties of water at film temperature

Density, ρf = 966.61 kg/m3

Dynamic Viscosity, μf = 0.000326 kg/m-s

[Reference: Holman, J.P., ‘Heat Transfer’, Appendix: Table A.9]

Thermal conductivity, kf = 0.675W/m. °C

[Reference: J. P. Holman, Heat Transfer, McGraw - Hill, 10th Edition, 1997, Page- 605, Table A-
5]

Heat transfer co-efficient calculation

From Nusselt equation,

1
𝜌𝑓 (𝜌𝑓 − 𝜌𝑣 )𝑔𝜆𝑠 𝑘𝑓3 4
Steam side heat transfer co-efficient, ho = 1.13×[ ]
𝐿𝜇𝑓 (𝑇𝑠 −𝑇𝑤 )

[Ref: J. P. Holman, Heat Transfer, McGraw - Hill, 10th Ed, 1997, Page-492, Eqn.-(9.18)]
1
966.61× (966.61 − 0.22) × 9.81 × 2234.34 ×1000 × 0.6753 4
ho= 1.13×[ ] W/m²°C
1.626 × 0.000326× (108.4− 67.49)

= 4676.51W/m²°C

(Ts - T1 ) - (Ts - T2 )
ΔTm = LMTD =
ln[(T s - T1 ) / (Ts - T2 )]
 (108.4−25)−(108.4−28.2)
= (108.4−25) °C
ln( )
1108.4−28.2

= 81.78°C

𝑄𝑤
Overall heat transfer co-efficient, U= 𝐴
𝑐 ΔTm

1360.26
= 0.0675𝑋81.78 W/m2. °C

= 209.80 W/m2. °C

Thickness of the film & local heat transfer co-efficient calculation

For distance from top of copper tube, z= 0.5 m

1
4𝑧𝜇𝑓𝐾𝑓 (𝑇𝑠 −𝑇𝑤 ) 4
Thickness of the condensate film, δ= [ 𝜌 ]
𝑓 (𝜌𝑓 − 𝜌𝑣 )𝑔𝜆𝑠

[Ref.: J. P. Holman, Heat Transfer, McGraw - Hill, 10th Ed, 1997, Page-490, Eqn. (9.6)]
1
4 ×0.5× 0.000326×0.675 × (108.4−67.49) 4
δ= [966.61× (966.61 − 0.22) × 9.81 × 2234.34×1000]

= 0.00017182m
1
𝜌𝑓 (𝜌𝑓 − 𝜌𝑣 )𝑔𝜆𝑠 𝑘𝑓3 4
Local heat transfer co-efficient, hlocal= [ ]
4𝑥𝜇𝑓 (𝑇𝑠 −𝑇𝑤 )

[Ref.: J. P. Holman, Heat Transfer, McGraw - Hill, 10th Ed, 1997, Page-490, Eqn. (9.7)]
1
966.61× (966.61− 0.22) ×9.81 × 2234.34 ×1000 × 0.6753 4
hlocal= [ ]
4 × 0.5 ×0.000326× (108.4– 67.49)

= 3929.52W/m2. °C

Similarly, for distance from top of copper tube, x = 1.0 m

Thickness of the condensate film, yf = 0.00020433m

Local heat transfer co-efficient, hlocal= 3304.31 W/m2. °C

For distance from top of copper tube, x = 1.5 m

Thickness of the condensate film, yf = 0.00022613m

Local heat transfer co-efficient, hlocal= 2985.79W/m2. °C

RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

The results from our experiment were in the following range from Table 05 Steam side heat
transfer coefficients varied from 4648.61 W/ m2.oC to 4686 W/ m2.oC and Overall heat transfer
coefficients varied from 224.15 W/ m2.oC to 581.78 W/ m2.oC. From Table 06, Table 07 and
Table 08 it is cleared that average value of thickness of film are varied from 0.00017019 m to
0.0002877 m and Local heat transfer coefficients variation is from 2972.48 W/m2℃ and 3930.55
W/m2 ℃.

Effect of Different Parameters on Heat Transfer Coefficients

Film type condensation is utilized in many applications rather than dropwise condensation between
the two kinds of condensation process. Although higher heat transfer coefficients are
knowledgeable about dropwise condensation, it is extremely hard to keep up. This experiment was
also done using film type condensation. Condensate film thickness increments as it flows
downward under the action of gravity which is validated in the graph of film thickness versus
distance from the top. As the film thickness increases, heat transfer rate decreases because the film
acts as a barrier and the local heat transfer coefficient decreases. So, higher heat transfer rates are
found where the film thickness is less.

Nature of Curves

Figure 02 to 04

The graph of the overall heat transfer coefficient (U) as a function of water velocity (v) indicates
distinctive patterns for various pressures. For 5 psig steam pressure, U increments sharply. But as
the pressure is raised, U actually decreases slightly. When the pressure is raised further to 15 psig,
U decreases more sharply than previously.

Figure 05 to 07

The graph of film thickness (yf)) as a function of distance from the top shows that film thickness
increases sharply with increase in the distance from the top (z) for all three pressures. This is
expected because, in film type condensation the film increases in thickness as it moves downward
under the action of gravity. The thickness is highest at the bottom and the lowest at the top. For all
three pressures, the increase in thickness with distance from the top is almost the same which
indicates that pressure has very little effect in this regard.

Figure 08 to 10

It can be observed from the graph of local heat transfer coefficient as a function of distance from
the top that the local heat transfer coefficient decreases as the distance from the top increases. This
is expected because, from the last graph we understood that the film increases in thickness as it
moves downwards. This film then acts as a resistance to heat transfer and hence lower local heat
transfer coefficients are experienced.

Figure 11 to 13

From the graph of heat load of water (QW) of water as a function of wall temperature, it can be
seen that, the value of QW decreases with increasing Tw which is expected because wall temperature
should be lower than the saturation temperature. As the value of TW increases, QW decreases.

Figure 14 to 16

In the graph for mass flow rate as a function of wall temperature, it can be seen that mass flow rate
of water increases slightly for 5 psig steam pressure but decreases rapidly with increasing wall
temperature TW for 10 and 15 psig

Agreeableness of Experimental Values for Heat Transfer Coefficient

The following reasons might be considered in charge of not getting precise outcomes-

1. Time was being estimated physically utilizing a stopwatch while collecting water and
condensate

2. Misfortunes of warmth to the surroundings amid our examination were in the scope of 8.48%
to 57.14% which can be considered in charge of getting such low estimations of in general warmth
exchange coefficient.

3. It was unrealistic to keep up consistent steam weight all through the test which is mostly in
charge of this blunder.
Aside from the elements made reference to above, different components may likewise change the
genuine esteem that could be accomplished. For instance, not being watchful amid the trial may
be a valid justification for this.