Experimental measurements and theoretical prediction for the transient characteristic of a two-phase two-component direct contact condenser. (5th August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahood, Hameed B.; Thorpe, Rex B.; Campbell, Alasdair N.; Sharif, Adel O.
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 87(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 161
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2015-08-05
• Subjects: Direct contact condenser -- Heat transfer -- Transient temperature; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2015.04.071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Abstract: The transient characteristics of a three-phase direct contact condenser have been investigated experimentally, utilising a short Perspex column with 48 cm active height and 4 cm internal diameter, and theoretically. Two immiscible fluids, namely pentane vapour with varied initial temperature (41.5 °C, 43.5 °C and47.5 °C) and constant temperature (19 °C) tap water were exploited as the dispersed and the continuous phases respectively. A theoretical model to predict the continuous phase outlet temperature has been developed and solved numerically using MATLAB. The time dependent temperature distribution along the direct contact column was measured and the effect of the mass flow rate ratio and the initial dispersed phase temperature was studied. The experimental results showed that the continuous phase temperatures along the direct contact column increase with time. In addition, no significant effect of the dispersed phase initial temperature on the outlet temperature of the continuous phase was observed. This means that latent heat is dominant in such a direct contact process. Good agreement is achieved between the present theoretical model and the experimental data. Highlights: Measurements and model for temperatures distribution of a three-phase DCC. Pentane vapour and water were used as a dispersed and a continuous. Temperature of continuous phase increases with increasing DCC height. Temperature of continuous phase increases with increasing vapour mass flow. Initial vapour temperature is slightly affected and latent heat is a dominant.