2.1.2.3. Pressure drop calculation

i.  Tube side pressure drop

In case of tube side condensation:

For condensation in the tube side by taking one-half of the conventional pressure drop relation can be used.

 

, psi                                                              (1.14)

Where,
f = friction factor

G_t =mass velocity [lb. h^-1.ft^-2 ]

L_t =Tube length [ft]

n_p =Number of tube passes

d_i =Tube ID [ft]

S_t =Specific gravity of the tube side fluid

Φ_t =Viscosity correction factor

( = 1, μ = viscosity of the tube side fluid; μ_w = viscosity at wall temperature)

 

ii. Shell side pressure drop

In case of shell side condensation : Similarly for condensation in the shell side:

, psi                                                              (1.15)

Subscript ‘ s ' indicates shell side fluid.

n_b = number of baffles

D_e = Equivalent diameter for the shell [ft]

 

Calculate all fluid property at film temperature T_f . No return loss calculation is required for the condensing fluid.

 

In case of non-condensing fluid (single phase flow), use the conventional pressure drop relation.