An experimental analysis of the topology and dynamics of a falling liquid film over the wavy surface of a vertical pillow plate

作者：Piper M; Wecker C; Olenberg A; Tran J M; Kenig E Y^*

来源：Chemical Engineering Science, 2015, 130: 129-134.

DOI：10.1016/j.ces.2015.03.005

• Pillow plate
• Falling film
• Flow topology
• Free surface motion

The successful design of pillow-plate condensers requires specific knowledge of the falling liquid film characteristics. Due to the typical wavy, ''pillow-like'' surface of pillow plates, the film flow here differs from the flow over vertical smooth walls. In this work, we visualized the topology and free surface waviness of a falling liquid film over a vertical pillow plate by using a fluorescent dye and a high speed camera. First observations show that the liquid film preferably flows down the rows of vertically aligned welding spots (zone 1). As a result, the wall surface between these rows is covered by a thinner film (zone 2). In order to quantify this ''2-zone'' topology, we measured the local mass flow rate in zone 1 over the height of the pillow plate. The results confirmed that the liquid film is mainly ''drained'' in zone 1. The findings of this study will help to develop flow-pattern-oriented modeling methods and to design pillow-plate falling film equipment.

• 出版日期2015-7-7