Multiphase boiling models of propane in a horizontal pipe: Application of CFD techniques

This paper investigates the capabilities of CFD models, available in the commercial software Ansys, used in the study of the propane evaporation heat transfer coefficient trend. In particular, the flow in a horizontal pipe, at various average vapor qualities, has been considered. The scheme adopted in the definition of the problem is based on the Eulerian multiphase approach and RPI-CHF wall heat partitioning. A preliminary benchmark assessment, essential for validating the mathematical model, has been conducted with reference to boiling water in vertical pipes. The prediction is in consistent agreement with experimental results if a modification in some of the fundamental parameters is made. The validation has to be regarded as a propaedeutic study for future research related to more complex geometries, such as channels between corrugated plates of compact heat exchangers.