Two-phase flow heat transfer coefficient

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the heat transfer coefficient in a tube experiencing two-phase flow, specifically from sub-cooled water to steam with a quality of 0.15. Participants explore various models and approaches for calculating the heat transfer coefficient, considering both the sub-cooled and boiling phases, while seeking simplified methods due to the complexity of the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a correlation for the Nusselt number in the sub-cooled region, specifically ##Nu =0.023Re^{0.8}Pr^{0.3}##, and proposes an iterative approach for refinement.
  • Another participant notes that the boiling heat transfer coefficient is typically much larger than that without boiling and suggests bounding the answer as if boiling did not occur, questioning the validity of this approximation at high pressures.
  • There is a discussion about the significant change in water properties at high pressures, with one participant proposing to consider the case of heat transfer with all gas present at 70 bar.
  • Participants express interest in comparing different approaches to heat transfer and the behavior of the system under varying conditions.
  • One participant seeks confirmation on a formula for calculating the "free" area in a triangular pitch for Reynolds number calculations, indicating uncertainty about the geometry involved.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for consulting handbooks for precise details on heat exchanger design and geometry.
  • There is a mention of creating a simplified model for a steam generator, with discussions about flow configurations and the neglect of certain complexities for learning purposes.
  • Participants discuss the hydraulic diameter in relation to correlation equations, indicating a focus on practical calculations for the heat exchanger design.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the heat transfer coefficient estimation, with no clear consensus on the best approach or model. Multiple competing views remain regarding the treatment of boiling and the effects of pressure on water properties.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the problem and the limitations of their proposed models, including assumptions made about the flow and the neglect of certain effects. There is also uncertainty regarding the applicability of certain correlations at high pressures.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in heat transfer in two-phase flow systems, particularly those looking for simplified models or seeking to understand the complexities involved in heat exchanger design.

  • #31
Chestermiller said:
So what do you want to do next?
I'd like to know what ##h## I should use in the case that the outlet flow rate has a quality of steam of 0.2 (20%). Thanks again for your time.

For example is 1st case (##v_l = 4.5## m/s) I get ##h_l \approx 20000## and ##h_v \approx 10000## W/m^2/°C
 
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  • #32
Bird, Stewart, and Lightfoot give typical values for forced convection of 500-10000 for water. For gases, 50-500. Is it possible that you are using too small a diameter?

What fraction of the tube length is covered before the vapor begins forming. Also, the entire tube length after that is not going to be 20% quality.
 
  • #33
Ok so my approach has changed. The final goal is to find a suitable value for ##h##. The steam generator I am considering is one from a nuclear power plant so I looked for papers about steam generators which met the data I have in mind and I reverse-engineered the problem and I calculated ##h## from ##Q = UA \Delta T_{ml}##. I have found a value of ##h## from 9000 to 12000 (slightly changing some parameters to see how much they weight). This looks ok, I think. Only thing I don't like is that I also get a velocity for the liquid of 0.34 m/s... I have really no idea whether this could be a reasonable value or not. I was expecting something around 3 or 4 m/s but I'm not sure
 
  • #34
dRic2 said:
Ok so my approach has changed. The final goal is to find a suitable value for ##h##. The steam generator I am considering is one from a nuclear power plant so I looked for papers about steam generators which met the data I have in mind and I reverse-engineered the problem and I calculated ##h## from ##Q = UA \Delta T_{ml}##. I have found a value of ##h## from 9000 to 12000 (slightly changing some parameters to see how much they weight). This looks ok, I think. Only thing I don't like is that I also get a velocity for the liquid of 0.34 m/s... I have really no idea whether this could be a reasonable value or not. I was expecting something around 3 or 4 m/s but I'm not sure
If you are aware of the design and operating conditions in the actual plant, are you doubting your ability to back out the flow velocity? That value doesn't seem very unreasonable to me.
 
  • #35
Chestermiller said:
are you doubting your ability to back out the flow velocity?
Well... I always blunder a lot of stuff when doing calculations... so I never actually trust myself if I don't have an idea of what the result might look like.

Anyway, assuming I didn't make a mistake I found the value which seems to agree with your predictions/considerations. Thanks again for your time.
 

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