Dynamic dip testing as a method to assess the condensate drainage behavior from the air-side surface of compact heat exchangers

Yongfang Zhong, Arindom Joardar, Zhongping Gu, Young Gil Park, Anthony M. Jacobi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new method to assess the condensate drainage behavior of the air-side surface of compact heat exchangers-dynamic dip testing-is introduced. The new method is shown to provide highly repeatable data for real-time drainage. Results from experiments with more than 20 flat-tube and round-tube-and-fin heat exchangers are presented, and the data clearly show geometrical effects such as the impact of the tube type on condensate drainage. By comparing the results from dip testing to wind-tunnel experiments for the same heat exchangers, we find dip testing can serve as a powerful tool for assessing the condensate retention behavior. The coils retaining the most and the least condensate in a steady-state wind-tunnel test, likewise held the most and the least in a dip test. However, different amounts of water are retained on the air-side surface during dip tests and wind-tunnel tests. A model based on gravity, surface tension and drag effects is developed to help understand and predict the drainage behavior of heat exchangers. The new model and experimental approach are useful in screening heat exchangers for condensate retention and for assessing off-cycle drainage behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)957-970
Number of pages14
JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science
Volume29
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

Keywords

  • Drainage behavior
  • Dynamic dip testing
  • Heat exchangers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Nuclear Energy and Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dynamic dip testing as a method to assess the condensate drainage behavior from the air-side surface of compact heat exchangers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this