Experiment 7 : Film Boiling Condensation
Group Members:
1. HAIKAL BIN SUHAIMI (2022961933)
2. PUTERI DELIMA SARI BINTI SAIFUL (2022923659)
3. ANIS NATASYA ALIYA MOHD NAZIR (2022923521)
Abstract - The experiment was run using
the SOLTEQ Film and Dropwise
Condensation in order to examine how
film wise and dropwise condensation
form. It has been designed specifically
for use in education settings, allowing
students to see the mechanism of heat
transfer during condensation. On the
other hand, gathering experimental data
will help improve theoretical knowledge.
Condensation can occur in two different
ways which are filmwise and dropwise.
A laminar vapour film is formed on a
surface during filmwise condensation.
This can then flow downward, getting
thicker as more vapour is absorbed
along the route. Meanwhile, in dropwise
condensation vapour droplets are
formed below them along the way. The
first objective of this experiment is to
demonstrate the filmwise and dropwise
condensation. The second is to
investigate the effect of different surface
materials on the rate of condensation.
The last objective is to relate the process
of condensation with the
thermodynamics theory.
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I. INTRODUCTION
Condensation is the process by
which water vapour becomes a liquid. The
evaporation process, in which liquid water
is changed into a vapour, is opposed by the
condensation process. Condensation can
happen when the air is chilled to its dew
point or when the air is overly saturated
with water vapour to the point that it can
no longer retain onto water. Dew point is
the temperature at which condensation
takes place.
Filmwise and dropwise
condensations are two different forms of
condensations that form on the condensing
surfaces as a result of the difference in
wettability. In filmwise condensation, the
condensate can effectively wet the surface.
A continuous liquid film that flows
downward continuously forms on the
surface during condensation, and the steam
must travel through this film in order to
exchange the heat at the surface. It will
increase thermal resistance to heat transfer,
which will decrease heat transfer
efficiency.
 Contrary to filmwise condensation, is typically made to function in filmwise
dropwise condensation does not produce a condensation mode.
continuous liquid film, so there is no liquid
film thermal resistance. Dropwise
condensation is a process in which
droplets coalesce, increase, and then leave
(either by shedding, sliding, or jumping) at
a certain size (l mm). Dropwise
condensation will have a higher heat
transfer impact due to the amplification of
Figure 1 Schematics of filmwise and
the condensation heat transfer disruption dropwise condensation on flat surfaces.
brought on by the dropping of liquid
drops. So, it was determined that it was an II. OBJECTIVES
acceptable strategy for enhancing 1. To illustrate the film wise and
condensation heat transfer. dropwise condensation.
In the 1930s, Schmidt initially put 2. To determine the impact of various
up the idea of dropwise condensation for surface components on the rate of
the first time, and the finding's mention of condensation.
a heat transfer coefficient that was 5–7 3. To associate the condensation
times greater than that of film process to the theory of
condensation sparked a great deal of thermodynamics.
attention. A few examples of effective
applications on an industrial scale have III. THEORY
been demonstrated over the years. Any Intermolecular forces rarely ever
industry aiming to improve heat transfer change how molecules move in the vapour
efficiency would use the results of this (gas) phase due to the maximum distance
experiment. The rankine cycle is one type between molecules in the vapour phase.
of vapour power cycle that serves as an The vapour's molecules move randomly
illustration of this. Condenser operating because of the higher molecular kinetic
pressure can be decreased and cycle energy. As the temperature of vapour
efficiency as a whole can be raised by decreases, both the kinetic energy of the
improving the condenser's performance. molecules and the distance that exists
Since dropwise condensation is difficult to between them shorten. When the
maintain consistently, industrial equipment

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temperature of vapour reaches the
saturation temperature, also referred to as
the dew point, further cooling will result in
a decrease in the intermolecular distance to
the point where the intermolecular
attractive force is sufficient to prevent the
molecules from moving.
Film and dropwise condensation
are other names for film boiling
condensation. Heat is transferred from the
steam into the cooling liquid flowing
through the condenser when steam
condenses on the surface of a condenser.
Depending on the circumstances at the
condenser surface, this kind of heat
transfer may take place at very high fluxes.
There are two ways that steam might
condense which are filmwise or dropwise.
In comparison to filmwise condensation,
dropwise condensation exhibits a feasible.
significantly higher and more efficient heat
transfer for the same operating conditions.
Even though dropwise condensation is
always preferred, it hardly ever happens in
reality for an extended period of time.
The majority of a heat exchanger's
heat transfer surfaces used in filmwise
condensation are constructed from 'wet
table' materials. During condensation, a
film of condensate spreads over these
surfaces. The film's thickness grows as
more vapour condenses on its outer
surface, and as a result of its weight, the
film will begin to flow downward.
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Through this condensate film, heat is
transferred to the surface material below
and then to the cooling medium. In general
terms, the liquid film is a poor heat
conductor, which greatly increases the
thermal resistance and inefficiency of this
manner of condensation.
If the heat transfer surfaces in
dropwise condensation are made
"nonwettable," they will get larger as
condensation proceeds. Due to their
weight, the larger beads will then start to
flow downward, collecting all of the static
beads along the way. The velocity
increases as the size of the beads grows,
eventually leaving a trail of bare surface
free of liquid coating. There is practically
low thermal resistance on this bare surface.
As a result, extremely high heat fluxes are
Log mean temperature difference:
Heat flux:
Specific heat transfer coefficient:
Heat removes from condensation: 7. The water temperature is measured, and
it is raised as the water begins to heat
up.

IV. PROCEDURES 8. The water is heated to boiling point and

General start up
1. The main switch is verified to be in the
off position.
2. To reduced the power, fully anti
clockwise crank the power regular
knob.
3. The closed valves of V1 and V6 must
be checked.
4. Filled the chamber with distilled water
until the water level reaches the level
between the heater and the battle plate.
Throughout the experiment, the heater
must remain completely immersed in
water. Water will be pumped into the
chamber through the vent valve when
V4 is opened. The vent valve was then
closed.
5. The water flow rate to the condenser is
controlled using a regulating valve in
accordance with the experimental
process.
6. The main switch and the heating switch
are both turned on. To enhance the
heating power, rotate the power
regulation clockwise.
the pressure is increased to 1.02 – 1.10
bar. V1 is immediately opened,
followed by V5 for 1 minute to hoover
out the air inside the condenser. V1
and V5 are then closed.
9. Allowed the system to settle. For the
purposes of the experiment, all
essential measurements are taken. If
necessary, adjustments are performed.
Experiment 1: Demonstration of
filmwise and dropwise condensation
1. The basic technique is followed exactly
as described in the general start-up
procedure. It is necessary to ensure that
the equipment is connected to the
service unit.
Experiment 2: The filmwise heat flux
and surface heat transfer coefficient
determination at constant pressure.
1. Cooling water is cycled through the
filmwise condenser at a rate of at least
0.1 LPM.
2. The heater power is increased to achieve
the necessary pressure of 1.01 bar.

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3. When the condition is stabilized the 4. The heater power is increased to achieve
steam (Tsat), surface temperature the necessary pressure of 1.01 bar.
(Tsurf), Tin (T1), Tout (T2) and flow
5. When the condition is stabilized, the
rate are recorded.
steam (Tsat), surface temperature
Experiment 3: The dropwise heat flux (Tsurf), Tin (T3), Tout (T4) and flow
and surface heat transfer coefficient rate are recorded.
determination at constant pressure.
6. Step 1 – 5 is repeated for dropwise
1. Cooling water is routed through the condensation.
dropwise condenser at a rate of at least
General shut-down
0.4 LPM.
1. Turned the voltage control knob
2. The heater power is increased to achieve
completely anticlockwise to the 0-volt
the necessary pressure of 1.01 bar.
position. To cool them down, run
3. When the condition is stabilized, the cooling water through the condenser
steam (Tsat), surface temperature for at least 5 minutes.
(Tsurf), Tin (T3), Tout (T4) and flow
2. Turned off the main switch and the
rate recorded.
power supply. The power supply cable
Experiment 4: The effect of air inside has been disconnected.
the chamber.
3. If necessary, close the water supply and
1. Cooling water is cycled at the greatest disconnect the cooling water
flowrate through the filmwise connection tubes. If not, save the
condenser until the pressure drops connection tubes for the next
below 1 bar. experiment.

2. The discharge valve is opened, allowing 4. The discharge valve is used to discharge
some air to enter the chamber. the water inside the chamber.

3. The water flow rate to the condenser is

controlled by a variable starting at 0.4
LPM.

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 V. RESULTS Experiment 2: Filmwise heat flux and
surface heat transfer coefficient
Experiment 1: Demonstration of filmwise
determination at constant pressure
and dropwise condensation

Figure 2: Filmwise condensation

Figure 3: Dropwise condensation

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Experiment 3: Dropwise heat flux and Experiment 4: The effect of air inside
surface heat transfer coefficient chamber
determination at constant pressure
- Filmwise condensation

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- Dropwise condensation VI. CALCULATIONS

To calculate log mean temperature

difference, ΔTm:

To calculate heat flux, Φ:

For experiment 2, when Q = 0.1 LPM

Diameter of condenser, d = 0.0127 m

Length of condenser, l = 0.098 m

Take π = 3.142

From Q:

To calculate qx:

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To calculate specific heat transfer at high rate of condensation shows that the
coefficient, U: water droplets flow drop by drop to the
bottom, the characteristic of filmwise at
low rate condensation shows that the water
droplets flow directly to the bottom. This
is due to the fact that dropwise
VII. DISCUSSION
condensation occurs when the liquid phase

The SOLTEQ Film and Dropwise wets the solid surfaces only partially, as

Condensation Unit (Model: HE163) was opposed to filmwise condensation, which

used in this experiment to demonstrate occurs on vertical surfaces.

filmwise and dropwise condensation,

The result of the experiment was
determine the filmwise heat flux and
calculated and the graph based on the
surface heat transfer coefficient at constant
result was plotted. Based on its heat
pressure, determine the dropwise heat flux
transfer coefficient and temperature
and surface heat transfer coefficient at
difference, the dropwise and filmwise
constant pressure, and demonstrate how air
condensation from experiments 2 and 3
affects the heat transfer coefficient of
theoretically differs significantly from the
condensation.
graph. The area heat transfer coefficient

Condensate does not spread out to for dropwise condensation suggests a

form a liquid film on the cold surface higher value of heat transfer during

when condensation occurs dropwise. condensation. In terms of heat transfer,

Instead, condensate creates a liquid droplet there is a smaller value for film, and a

that enlarges and eventually separates from larger area on the graph indicates a larger

the cold surface. Since the condensate does margin of heat transfer value. However,

not form a liquid film on the cold surface, there is a slight error in the result because

the condensation of vapour occurs most some of its value readings bump up to

effectively. For efficient condensation, the undesirable data.

cold surface is continuously exposed to the

Theoretically, in experiment 4, a
vapour.
larger value of heat transfer coefficient can

In experiment 1, the objective of be produced at a small temperature

demonstrating filmwise and dropwise difference compared to a smaller value at a

condensation is achieved. While dropwise larger temperature difference for dropwise

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 condensation with the presence of air. This heat transfer dramatically. Although the
is in contrast to filmwise condensation, heat transfer rate in dropwise condensation
which exhibits a smaller value of heat is much higher than in filmwise
transfer coefficient and at a higher condensation, dropwise condensation is
temperature difference. According to the difficult to achieve. As a result, despite the
analysis of the data, the presence of air low heat potential of filmwise
causes a noticeable difference in the heat condensation, it is anticipated when
flux. The heat flux value is lower when air constructing condensers.
is present. Due to the specifications for
each plate surface, dropwise condensation
IX. RECOMMENDATIONS
has a higher efficiency for the
condensation process. There were a few recommendations that
should be taken while carrying out the
The errors that affect the outcomes are
experiment in order to produce a more
caused by the fluid needed for
error-free result, which are as follows:
condensation to happen. The impurities
within the fluid have an effect on its 1. Always keep the overflow valve open
density and boiling temperature, which to maintain or reduce the pressure.
happen at a much lower temperature.
Therefore, condensation occurs in a less 2. Ensure that the valve is tightly closed

precise order, resulting in data on to prevent water from leaking during

impairment. In order to prevent the heater the experiment.

from overheating when there is no water

3. Check that the pressure switch is set to
inside the vessel, the apparatus should be
turn off the heater when the chamber
allowed to cool down after the experiment
pressure exceeds 1.20 bar and that the
is complete. To avoid blockage inside the
pressure relief valve is set to discharge
condenser, the used tap water needs to be
at 1.5 bar.
clean.
4. Ensure that the eye level is
VIII. CONCLUSION
perpendicular to the water inside the

To sum up, dropwise condensation is a chamber when taking the flow rate

more effective way of transferring heat reading.

than filmwise condensation, and the

existence of air in steam vapor inhibits

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5. Do not directly touch the overflow XI. APPENDIX
water, which may be hot enough to
scorch your skin.

X. REFERENCES
1) Hu, X., Yi, Q., Kong, X., & Wang,
J. (2021). A Review of Research
on Dropwise Condensation Heat
Transfer. Applied Sciences, 11(4),
1553. Retrieved from
https://doi.org/10.3390/app110415
53
2) Rutledge, K., Ramroop, T.,
Boudreau, D., McDaniel, M., Teng,
S., Sprout, E., . . . Hunt, J. (2011,
January 21). Condensation.
Figure 4 : filmwise and dropwise
Retrieved from National
condensation
Geographic:
https://www.nationalgeographic.or
g/encyclopedia/condensation/

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