Outer heat transfer coefficient for condensation of pure components on single horizontal low-finned tubes

The outer heat transfer coefficient is determined for the condensation of pure components (iso-propanol, n-pentane, n-heptane, iso-octane and water) on low-finned carbon steel, stainless steel and titanium tubes. The outer heat transfer coefficient on these tubes is 3 to 8 times higher than on a smooth tube with the same reference surface area. The experimental data are compared with theoretical models from literature for the condensation of refrigerants and water. These models do not predict all experimental data for the condensation of iso-propanol and hydrocarbons on low-finned tubes with the accuracy given in the respective papers. Therefore, a new approach for calculation of the outer heat transfer coefficient based on dimensionless numbers is developed. With this new equation, it can be predicted with a maximum deviation of +/- 20%.