A semi-empirical model for free-convection condensation on horizontal pin–fin tubes

A simple semi-empirical correlation accounting for the combined effect of gravity and surface tension has been developed for condensation on horizontal pin–fin tubes. The model divides the heat transfer surface into five regions, i.e. two types of pin flank, two types of pin root and the pin tip. Data for three fluids (i.e. steam, ethylene glycol and R113) condensing on eleven tubes with different geometries were used in a minimization process to find three empirical constants in the final expression. The model gives good overall agreement (within ±20%) with the experimental data, as well as correctly predicting the dependence of heat-transfer enhancement on the various geometric parameters and fluid types.