Effect of Dropwise Condensation on the Thermal Efficiency of a Triple Effect Water Distillation Plant

Abstract

The dropwise condensation promotion of a power station triple effect evaporator fed with softened water resulted in a significant improvement in the apparent heat transfer coefficients across the effects, and a resultant improvement in the net output of 10-15 per cent. This improvement was limited by the thermo-compressor capacity and an improvement to 35 per cent has been calculated if this restriction were removed. Slight condensate contamination by stearic acid occurred, but the quality generally remained acceptable for steam generating plant make-up.