Condensation of downward flowing R-113 vapor on bundles of horizontal smooth tubes.

Film condensation of downward flowing R-113 vapor at near atmospheric pressure on in-line and staggered bundles of smooth tubes was experimentally investigated. The inlet vapor velocity range (based on the minimum flow area) was varied from 2.1 to 20 m/s, while the condensation temperature difference range was varied from 3 to 30 K. Based on the momentum and heat transfer analogy for the condensing film flow, empirical equations for the heat transfer coefficient were derived for both the in-line and staggered tube bundles. These equations compared well with most of the available experimental data for both refrigerants and steam.