E1 - Filmwise and Dropwise Condensation

1. Introduction
Condensation is an important heat and mass transfer process that is commonly utilized in
industrial systems. It relies on the latent heat of vaporization, resulting in the heat transfer
coefficient remarkably larger in comparison to sensible heat system. Two distinct forms of
condensation are observed: (a) filmwise condensation and (b) dropwise condensation. In this
experiment, the students will determine and compare the heat transfer coefficients of
filmwise and dropwise condensation.

2. Objectives
The objectives of this experiment are to obtain heat transfer coefficients of filmwise and
dropwise condensations, and to make comparison between them with explanation.

3. Equipment
The heat transfer coefficients of filmwise and dropwise condensation can be determined
experimentally. The schematic diagram of the experimental apparatus is shown in Figure 1.
A long copper tube is enclosed in a pressure tight vessel. Water is fed through the tube while
the steam is supplied outside the tube. To form dropwise condensation, oleic acid is dropped
on the surface the tube through a valve.
Water flow rate and steam pressure are varied to obtain a series of readings. Determine the
heat transfer coefficients of filmwise condensation and dropwise condensation. Compare the
results and explain the experimental errors that may affect the results.

4. Experimental Procedures
1. For safety reason, ensure that V2, V3, V4 and V5 valves are closed.
2. Open the water flow by opening V6 valve. Close V10 valve to ensure that no reverse
flow back to the condensate line.
3. Open valve V8 valve (film) and/or V7 valve (drop) depending on the experiments. Let
the water to flow.
4. Open V16, V12 and V13 to ensure that the condensate may be trapped in the
condensate line to flow out.
5. Drop some oleic acid through V17 valve.
6. Open V1 valve slowly.
7. Open V2 valve.
8. Open V4 valve (film) and/ or V5 valve (drop) depending on the necessity of your
experiment. Use V4, V5 and V3 valves combinations to obtain the required water
flow.
9. Use V8 valve (film) and/or V7 valve (drop) to obtain the required water flow.
10. R, P, T are flowrate, pressure and temperature, respectively. Write down these values.

11. If the pressure does not drop even when the V4 and V5 are closed, use V18 and V19
to release the pressure.
12. Repeat these experiments for several pressures and different flow rates.
13. After finishing the experiments, you should do the following procedures in sequence:
(a) Close V1 valve.
(b) Open V18 and V19 until the pressure gauge becomes zero.
(c) Close V2, V3, 4 and V5 valves.
(d) Close V6, V7 and V8 valves.

5. Data Analysis
1. By using a Wilson plot, determine the average heat transfer coefficients for
filmwise condensation and dropwise condensation.
2. Compare the values and discuss why there are differences between these two types
of condensation.
3. Discuss on the deviations of the results from theory (if any).

6. References
1. J. Holman. Heat Transfer. Tenth Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2009.
2. E. Cao. Heat Transfer in Process Engineering. McGraw-Hill, 2009.