An experiment and analysis was performed on an inverted U-tube steam condenser (similar to a steam generator) to determine the modes of flow that can exist as the rate of steam flow into the condenser is reduced. The condenser consisted of four glass tubes connected to a common inlet plenum and a common exit plenum. Heat-transfer and flow-rate measurements, as well as visual observations were made. Four different modes of operation were identified. Noncondensables were found to substantially alter the plenum to plenum pressure difference and aid flow stability. Satisfactory analytical descriptions of the observations have been developed as well as application of the results to the condensing behavior of nuclear steam generators under abnormal operating conditions.
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Modes of Circulation in an Inverted U-Tube Array With Condensation
P. Griffith
P. Griffith
Massachusetts Institute Technology, Cambridge, Mass. 02139
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C. Calia
EDS Nuclear, Inc., Norcross, Ga. 30092
P. Griffith
Massachusetts Institute Technology, Cambridge, Mass. 02139
J. Heat Transfer. Nov 1982, 104(4): 769-773 (5 pages)
Published Online: November 1, 1982
Article history
Received:
October 23, 1981
Online:
October 20, 2009
Citation
Calia, C., and Griffith, P. (November 1, 1982). "Modes of Circulation in an Inverted U-Tube Array With Condensation." ASME. J. Heat Transfer. November 1982; 104(4): 769–773. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3245198
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