THEORY

In this experiment there will be two kinds of condensation that is dropwise

condensation and filmwise condensation. Dropwise condensation occurs if
the heat transfer surfaces are treated to become non-wettable; the condensate
that forms on the surface will be shaped like spherical beads. These beads
adheres together to become larger as condensation proceeds. The bigger beads
will then start to flow downwards due to their weight, thus collecting all other
static beads along the way. As the beads increase in size, the velocity increases,
finally leaving a trail of bare surface free from liquid film. This bare surface offers
very little resistance to the transfer of heat. Therefore, very high heat fluxes are
possible. In the other hand, filmwise condensation occurs when heat transfer
surfaces on a heat exchanger are made of wettable materials.
During condensation, a film of condensate spreads over these surfaces. As
more vapor condenses on the outside of the film, its thickness increases and the
film will start flowing downwards due to its weight. Heat transfer occurs through
this film of condensate to the surface material beneath, then to the cooling
medium. The liquid film is generally a poor conductor of heat, contributing much
to the thermal resistance and inefficiency of this mode of condensation. The
advantages of dropwise over filmwise condensation are apparent, resulting in a
smaller heat transfer area, smaller temperature difference or larger heat transfer
rate for a fixed set of conditions. However, dropwise condensation is difficult to
maintain in industrial applications because of oxidation, fouling and degrading of
coating, and finally film condensation occurs. Therefore, condenser designs are
often based on the assumption of filmwise condensation.
Film type condensation on a vertical wall or tube can be find analytically
by assuming laminar flow of the condensate film down the wall. The film
thickness is zero at the top of the wall or tube. It increases in thickness as it flows
downward as a result of condensation. Nusselt assumed that the heat transfer
from the condensing vapor at Tsat, through this liquid film, and at the wall at Tw,
was by conduction. Equating this heat-transfer by conduction to that from
condensation of the vapor, final expression can be obtained for the average
heat-transfer coefficient over the whole surfaces.
PROCEDURE

General Start-up

1.

The main switch was ensured in its off position.

2.

The power regulator knobs were turned fully anti-clockwise to set

the power to minimum.

3.

Valves V1 to V6 were checked to ensure that they were closed.

4.

The chamber was filled with distilled water until the water level
stays between the hater and baffles plates. The heater was
ensured to be fully immersed in the water throughout the
experiment. The chamber was filled with water through the drain
valve with the vent valve, V4 opened. Then the vent valve V4 was
closed.

5.

The water flow rate to the condenser was adjusted by controlling

the control valve according to experimental procedure.

6.

The main switch and the heater switch were turned on. The
heater power was set by rotating the power regulator clockwise
to increase the hater power.

7.

The water temperature reading was observed where the water

temperature should increase when its start heat-up.

8.

The water wass heated up to boiling point until the pressure

reach 1.02-1.10 bar. Immediately valve V1 was opened and
followed by valve V5 for 1 minute to vacuum out the air inside
condenser. Then both valve V1 and V5 were closed.

9.

The system was left to stabilize. Then all relevant measurements

were taken for experimental purposes. Adjustment was made if
required.

General Shut-down.

1.

The voltage control knob was turned to 0 Volt position by turning

the knob fully anti-clockwise. The cooling water was kept flowing
for at least 5 minutes through the condenser to cold them down.

2.

The main switch and power supply were switch off. Then, the
power supply cable was unplugged.

3.

The water supply was closed and the cooling water connection
tubes were disconnected if necessary. Otherwise, the connection
tubes were leaved for next experiment.

4.

The water inside the chamber was discharged using the

discharge valve.

Demonstration of Filmwise and Dropwise Condensation

1.

The basic procedure was followed as written in the general setup. The equipment by make sure connected to the service unit.

The Filmwise Heat Flux and Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient Determination at
Constant Pressure

1. Cooling water was circulated through the filmwise condenser

starting with a minimum value of 0.1 LPM.
2. The heater power was adjusted to obtain the desired pressure at
1.01 bar.
3. When the condition was stabilized, the steam (
surface temperature (

T surf ) ,

(T1) and

T sat ) and

T out

(T2), and

flowrate were recorded.

The Dropwise Heat Flux and Surface Heat Transfer Coefficient Determination at
Constant Pressure

1.

Cooling water was circulated through the dropwise condenser

starting with a minimum value of 0.4 LPM.

2.

The heater power was adjusted to obtain the desired pressure at

1.01 bar.

3.

When the condition was stabilized, the steam (

surface temperature (T surf ) ,
flowrate are recorded.

(T3),

T out

T sat ) and
(T4) and

DISCUSSIONS

In this experiment, the film boiling condensation was investigated by using the
SOLTEQ Film and Dropwise Condensation Unit (Model: HE 163). There were 4
objectives that must be accomplished. The first one was to demonstrate the
filmwise and dropwise condensation. From this experiment, we are able to
describe the characteristics of filmwise and dropwise condensation. In filmwise
condensation, most materials used in the construction of heat exchangers are
wettable and during the condensation a film condensate spreads over the
surface. More vapour condenses onto the outside of this film will increases its
thickness and causes the flow downward and drip from the lowest points. The
heat given up by the vapour during condensation is conducted through the film.
During filmwise condensation a layer of condensate covers the cool surface and
this will causes the resistance to the transfer of heat. However, for the dropwise
condensation the material used in the construction is non-wet table .When the
steam condenses, a large number of spherical forms on its surface. These beads
become larger and then the trickle downwards. The moving bead gathers all the
static beads along its downward path, becomes larger, accelerates and leaves a
virtually bare surface in its trail.
For experiment 2 and 3, theoretically there is a big difference from the
graph for the dropwise and filmwise condensation based on its heat transfer
coefficient and temperature difference. For dropwise there is a relatively larger
area heat transfer coefficient that proposes a larger value of heat transfer during
condensation. As for filmwise there is a smaller value of heat transfer and the
larger area on the graph that shows the larger margin of heat transfer value are
at larger heat transfer value. The actual data we recorded looks similar to the
theoritical.
For experiment 4, theoretically, the clear difference between both heat transfer
coefficient and temperature difference for filmwise and dropwise condensation is
for dropwise with the present of air there is a larger value of heat transfer
coefficient at a small temperature difference rather than for filmwise that shows
a smaller value of heat transfer coefficient and at a more larger difference of
temperature. The analysis for the data collected is that heat flux shows a clear
difference due to the presence of air. With the presence of air the heat flux value
is smaller. Dropwise condensation is far more efficient for condensation process
due to the specifications for each plate surface. The actual data also satisfy the
theory.
Conclusion
CONCLUSION
1. The dropwise condensation heat flux and surface heat transfer coefficient
at constant pressure occur are at a relatively larger value at smaller

temperature difference than for filmwise condensation. Thus efficient

condensation.
2. Dropwise condensation has a more stable and larger heat transfer value
for condensation process thus a more efficient condensation process.