Experimental analysis on heat transfer characteristics of steamdirect contact condensation

Objective To support the design and optimization of containment suppression devices for small modular reactors, this study investigates the heat transfer characteristics of steam direct contact condensation.

Methods A thermal and visual experimental study is conducted on the phenomenon of steam direct contact condensation using a pressure suppression simulation experimental apparatus. An analysis is then made of the effects of the non-condensable gas fraction, steam mass flow rate and cooling water subcooling degree on the condensation heat transfer properties.

Results The experimental findings demonstrate that increasing the mass fraction of non-condensable gases weakens steam condensation heat transfer. Both the steam mass flow rate and cooling water subcooling degree have multifaceted impacts on the steam condensation heat transfer process.

Conclusions The deviation between the predicted values from the proposed steam direct contact condensation heat transfer model and the experimental measurements is within ± 20%, indicating that the model accurately represents the physical process of steam direct contact condensation heat transfer.