Will the water formed by the condensation of steam inside the heat exchange tubes obstruct the flow of steam?
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If the steam pipe has a diameter of φ25 and a total length of 6 meters, with 10 kg of steam entering the pipe per hour, and assuming that 6 kg of the steam inside the pipe condenses, will these 6 kg of water at the exit of the heat exchange pipe prevent the remaining 4 kg of steam from flowing properly? If water hinders the flow of steam, how short must the heat exchange tubes be and how many must there be to ensure proper flow?
Since it is in motion, the condensate cannot fill the pipes, so it does not hinder the flow of steam; moreover, water and vapor should remain in a nearly saturated equilibrium state. If it’s the situation you described, then vapor explosion will occur.
If 1 meter of pipe condenses 1 kg of water, then 2 meters will condense 2 kg, and so on. Since the flow rate of water is slower than that of steam, the amount of water gradually increases and occupies certain space, thereby reducing the area available for steam to flow through. Could water hammer occur at some point later on?
It cannot be expressed in terms of such absolute values; instead, the condensation volume should be compared with the outlet water flow rate. When the condensation rate is greater than the water outlet flow rate, water resistance may occur. Water resistance does not occur when the condensation rate is lower than the water outlet flow rate.
I didn’t understand. It is recommended to check Spayshark’s steam system manual