A new model for forced-convection condensation on integral-fin tubes

This work investigates the effects of vapor shear during pure vapor external condensation on horizontal integral-fin tubes. More than 220 experimental data points in a wide range of operative conditions and enhanced surface geometries are reported together with the visual observation of the condensate flow patterns. The effects of vapor shear are relevant only for vapor Reynolds numbers greater than 70,000–100,000, while heat transfer enhancement is linked to the geometry of the extended surface. A simple semi-empirical equation was developed to account for the shear stress contribution in forced-convection condensation: this equation, applied in conjunction with the model by Briggs and Rose (1994) for stationary vapor condensation, displays a good ability in reproducing all the available data with relevant vapor velocities.