Forced-Convection Mass Transfer From Wetted Grooves

Abstract

A wetted-wall column was used to measure liquid flow rates in capillary grooves on vertical surfaces. The test facility contained interchangeable grooved surfaces (2-in. OD) which contacted a liquid reservoir in such a way that the test surfaces were partially wetted by capillary action. The wetted portion was exposed to a forced-convection air stream, so that surface evaporation took place because of the different partial pressures of the vapor at the liquid-vapor interface and at the center of the air stream. All data were obtained in steady-state and nearly isothermal conditions. Experimental results with carbon tetrachloride on brass surfaces were in agreement with approximate predictions, which were computed for evaporative heat transfer and then related to mass transfer by using Reynolds analogy for pipe flow.