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Condenser with small hydraulic diameter flow path

  • US 4,998,580 A
  • Filed: 01/07/1988
  • Issued: 03/12/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/02/1985
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A condenser comprising:

  • a pair of spaced headers arranged to have a vapor inlet and a condensate outlet;

    a plurality of tubes extending in hydraulic parallel between said headers, each in fluid communication with each of said headers;

    said tubes having a plurality of discrete hydraulically parallel capillary fluid flow paths between said headers;

    each of said fluid flow paths being noncircular in cross section and having at least one elongated crevice extending along the length thereof;

    the hydraulic diameter of each of said flow paths being sufficiently small that surface tension in condensate in said crevice will create an area of relatively lower pressure thus causing a pressure differential whereby condensate in a film elsewhere in said flow path will flow by operation of said pressure differential to said crevice;

    said hydraulic diameter being in the range of about 0.015 to 0.040 inches, said hydraulic diameter being the cross-sectional area of the corresponding flow path multiplied by four and divided by the wetted perimeter of the corresponding flow path; and

    ,said flow paths having surfaces subjected to vapor and condensate and including microcracks.

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