The condensation coefficient of water

Abstract Filmwise condensation of steam at low pressure on a vertical flat plate was investigated experimentally in order to ascertain the existence of an interfacial heat-transfer resistance and hence deduce a value of the mass accommodation or “condensation” coefficient of water. Data is presented for the condensation of saturated steam between 45 and 50°F at heat fluxes between 9000 and 12000 Btu/h-ft 2 degF. It was found that no significant interfacial resistance was present and the condensation coefficient was deduced to have a value between 0·45 and unity. That the condensation coefficient is at least greater than 0·45 ensures that the interfacial resistance will be negligible in industrial applications of filmwise condensation. The inability to determine a more exact value for the coefficient was due to an inherent limitation in the technique and the range quoted must not be taken to favor an intermediate value.

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