An analytical model for prediction of condensate flooding on horizontal pin-fin tubes

In this paper, a generalized model has been developed to predict the condensate flooding (i.e. the portion of the tube covered with condensate) on the horizontal pin-fin tubes during free convection condensation. The model is based on the balance of forces act up on the condensate in upward and downward directions due to the effects of surface tension of the fluid and gravity. The model has been compared with the wide range of experimental data already reported by researchers for a wide range of fluid and tube combinations. The model predicts the condensate flooding on horizontal pin-fin tubes to within ±15% over most of the experimental data.