Reflux condensation in narrow rectangular channels with perforated fins

Reflux condensation is an industrial process that aims to reduce the content of the less volatile component or to eliminate the non-condensable phase of a vapour mixture, by the means of separation. Separation consists in condensing the less volatile phase and to recover the condensate while simultaneously, the non-condensable species are recuperated at the top of the system. Compact plate-fin heat exchangers can be used in gas separation processes. The aim of this study is to test the process of reflux condensation of an air–steam mixture in the channels of a plate fin heat exchanger with a hydraulic diameter of 1.63 mm. The experimental study shows that reflux condensation occurs in specific parts of the heat exchanger, the other parts remaining dry. Moist air condensation is modelled by the film theory and the results show that the model is well adapted to simulating the heat and mass transfer.