Laminar film condensation on a vertical

surface
• If the velocity of the vapor is very high or the liquid
film very thick, the motion of the condensate flow
would be laminar. For laminar film condensation,
the total heat transfer to the surface,

As = Surface Area
 Turbulent film condensation on a vertical
surface
• When the plate on which condensation occurs is
quite long or when the liquid film is vigorous enough,
the condensate flow may become turbulent. For
turbulent film condensation, the total heat transfer
to the surface,

As = Surface Area
 Note:
While using above equations, all liquid
properties are to be evaluated at temperature

[t + t ]/2 and h
sat s fg should be evaluated

at tsat.
• This fiq shows the variation of film thickness and co-
efficient with plate height. The film thickness
increase with the increase of plate height. Heat
transfer rate decrease with the increase of plate
height since thermal resistance increase with the film
thickness.