Diffusion layer modeling for condensation with multi-component noncondensable gases

Conference · Thu Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1999

OSTI ID:20002507

Peterson, P F

Many condensation problems involving noncondensable gases have multiple noncondensable species, for example air (with nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases); and other problems where light gases like hydrogen may mix with heavier gases like nitrogen. Particularly when the binary mass diffusion coefficients of the noncondensable species are substantially different, the noncondensable species tend to segregate in the condensation boundary layer. This paper presents a fundamental analysis of the mass transport with multiple noncondensable species, identifying a simple method to calculate an effective mass diffusion coefficient that can be used with the simple diffusion layer model, and discusses in detail the effects of using mass and mole based quantities, and various simplifying approximations, on predicted condensation rates. The results are illustrated with quantitative examples to demonstrate the potential importance of multi-component noncondensable gas effects.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20002507
• Report Number(s): CONF-990805--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
GASES
HEAT TRANSFER
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
TWO-PHASE FLOW
VAPOR CONDENSATION