A mechanistic analysis of shell-side two-phase flow in an idealised in-line tube bundle

This paper reports on an experimental study of air–water mixtures flowing through an idealised shell and tube, in-line heat exchanger. Void fraction measurements are reported for the minimum gaps between the tubes at near atmospheric conditions. The pressure distributions around some tubes are also reported. These data are combined with data available in the open literature to investigate pressure drop and void fraction prediction methods for these heat exchangers. The data are shown to be flow pattern dependent. Criteria for flow pattern boundaries are deduced from previously published flow maps. Void fraction data in the maximum gap between the tubes are shown to be compatible with the drift flux model and to be different in magnitude to the minimum gap values, which are shown to result from acceleration phenomena in the gaps between the tubes. The pressure drop data are analysed through a one-dimensional model that incorporates separation and re-attachment phenomena. The frictional pressure drop is shown to depend on a liquid layer located on the upper portion of the tubes at low gas velocity and on acceleration effects at high gas velocity.

► Location specific void fraction data comparisons, maximum gap and minimum gap. ► Pressure distribution around tubes. ► Flow pattern map criteria. ► Drift velocities for different flow regimes. ► Dominant pressure drop mechanisms.