Correlation for boiling heat transfer of R-134a in horizontal tubes including effect of tube diameter

A Chen-type correlation for flow boiling heat transfer of R-134a in horizontal tubes was modified taking into account the effect of tube diameter. The effect of tube diameter on flow boiling heat transfer coefficient was characterized by the Weber number in gas phase. Results showed that this correlation could be applied to a wide range of tube diameters (0.5-11-mm-ID). In addition, the dryout point and the heat transfer characteristics after the dryout point were also investigated based on the annular flow model. The proposed experimental expressions to predict both the dryout quality and the post-dryout heat transfer coefficient could also be applied to a wide range of tube diameter (0.5-11-mm-ID). (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.