Experimental distribution of phases and pressure drop in a two-phase offset strip fin type compact heat exchanger

Then, the two-phase hydrodynamics was characterised. A flow regime map was established and the influences of phases inlet directions (co-current and counter-current inlets of the phases) and of superficial velocities on the distribution were studied. The gas superficial velocity has more effect on the distribution than the liquid one. Comparison between pressure drop profiles and flow rate distribution profiles shows that information about pressure drop can provide information about phase distribution. It must be noticed that the nonuniform distribution of phases can entail the coexistence of several flow regimes in the heat exchanger.