A Theory of Dropwise Condensation

The phenomenon dropwise condensation on a horizontal gold coated tube is investigated by both analytical and experimental methods in this study. A computer program is prepared to calculate the dropwise condensation heat transfer rate on the horizontal gold coated tube. An experimental setup was also manufactured to measure the dropwise condensation heat transfer rate. The effects of flow rate, temperature of cooling water and also steam to wall temperature difference have been analytically investigated by using Mathcad computer program. Experiments were carried out at different inlet temperatures of cooling water. Effects of cooling water at different flow rates are also experimentally investigated. Results of the experiments are compared to those of the literature and the analytical results.