A plate condenser was designed to be kept vertical. How would the cond...
h VER = 0.943 [k 3 p 2 g h f g/δ l (t sat – t s)] 0.25, h INC = 0.943 [k 3 p 2 g sin α h f g/δ l (t sat – t s)] 0.
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A plate condenser was designed to be kept vertical. How would the cond...
Effect of keeping the plate condenser at a 60-degree angle to the horizontal on the condensation coefficient:
When a plate condenser is designed to be kept vertical, it is assumed that the condensate film flows downward due to gravity. This vertical arrangement ensures efficient heat transfer and maximizes the condensation coefficient, which is a measure of the effectiveness of heat transfer during condensation.
However, if the plate condenser has to be kept at a 60-degree angle to the horizontal due to site constraints, the gravitational force acting on the condensate film will be reduced. This change in orientation will affect the flow of condensate and subsequently impact the condensation coefficient.
Explanation:
1. Condensation Coefficient:
The condensation coefficient is a dimensionless parameter that represents the effectiveness of heat transfer during condensation. It is defined as the ratio of the actual heat transfer rate during condensation to the theoretical heat transfer rate based on the complete condensation of the vapor.
2. Effect of Angle:
When the plate condenser is oriented at a 60-degree angle to the horizontal, the gravitational force acting on the condensate film is reduced compared to the vertical arrangement. This reduction in gravitational force hinders the downward flow of condensate, leading to a decrease in the condensation coefficient.
3. Reason for Reduction:
The reduction in the condensation coefficient can be attributed to two main factors:
- Reduced Surface Area: As the condensate film does not flow vertically, the effective surface area for heat transfer decreases. This reduced surface area results in a lower condensation coefficient.
- Increased Resistance: The condensate film experiences increased resistance while flowing at an angle to the horizontal due to the change in direction. This increased resistance reduces the overall heat transfer efficiency and contributes to a lower condensation coefficient.
4. Percentage Reduction:
The question states that due to site constraints, the plate condenser is kept at a 60-degree angle to the horizontal. The correct answer option states that there is a 3.53% reduction in the condensation coefficient. This reduction is based on the aforementioned factors affecting the heat transfer efficiency of the condenser.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when a plate condenser designed for vertical operation is kept at a 60-degree angle to the horizontal, there is a reduction in the condensation coefficient. This reduction can be attributed to the decreased surface area for heat transfer and increased resistance encountered by the condensate film. The correct answer option, option 'C' - 3.53% reduction in the condensation coefficient, accurately represents the impact of the change in orientation on the condenser's performance.