An experimental investigation of the dynamic behaviour of a shell-and-tube condenser

• Published in: International journal of heat and mass transfer Vol. 40; no. 17; pp. 4129 - 4135
• Main Authors: Alcock, J.-L., Webb, D.R., Botsch, T.W., Stephan, K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 1997; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Devices using thermal energy; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Heat exchangers (included heat transformers, condensers, cooling towers); Running; Experimental study; Condenser; Dynamic conditions; Heat exchanger; Shell and tube exchanger
• ISSN: 0017-9310; 1879-2189
• DOI: 10.1016/S0017-9310(97)00018-5

Experimental data are presented on the transient behaviour of an industrial scale shell-and-tube exchanger condensing a mixture of steam and air under reduced pressure. The system was subjected to step changes in the five key loads which determine the condenser behaviour. These are the inlet pressure, steam flowrate, air flowrate, coolant flowrate and coolant inlet temperature. The experimental equipment and its associated instrumentation are described. The experiments performed are detailed and the results from two representative runs are presented and discussed. An understanding of the process is a necessary pre-cursor to modelling and simulation.