CG-11 Shellside Reflux Condensation

J. W. Palen

2005; revised 2006

Shellside reflux condensation is appropriate when a column-top condenser with tubeside coolant is needed (e.g., low-pressure distillation columns where the condenser coolant can foul, exit gas stripping is required, or condenser piping must be minimized). A review of existing technology shows that shellside reflux condensation heat transfer can be simulated by existing gravity-controlled downflow methods. A method is proposed to check the inlet vapor rate, which must be limited to prevent flooding.