Condensation in a vertical tube bundle passive condenser – Part 1: Through flow condensation

An experimental study and a boundary layer analysis were performed for the steam condensation in a vertical tube bundle passive condenser operating in a through flow mode. Four condenser tubes were submerged in a water pool and the heat from the condenser tube was removed through boiling. Experimental data were obtained for various system pressures (100–170 kPa), inlet steam flow rates (15–47 g/s) and non-condensable gas concentration (0–15%). The experimental results showed substantial deterioration in condensation when non-condensable gas was present. With increase in steam flow rate and system pressure the condensate rate increased. The boundary layer thickness and non-condensable gas concentration increased along the condenser tube length.