Collapse of vapor locks by condensation over moving subcooled liquid

Experiments were conducted for condensation taking place over thick layer o f moving subcooled liquid. Measurements were done over a wide range of liqu id subcool temperatures and Reynolds numbers. The measured values of conden sation heat transfer coefficients were correlated with Reynolds number, Pra ndtl number and the degree of subcooling. The role of non-condensable gases in the liquid and condensation over surfaces other than the liquid surface was also determined. The condensation heat transfer coefficients obtained for the thick layers of moving liquid varied more strongly with variations of liquid temperature than those reported for film condensation. The effect of changes of flow velocity significantly influenced condensation at low v alues of subcool temperatures. Changes of subcool temperature were found to exert a greater influence on condensation than the changes in flow velocit ies. The reasons for the above influences are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.