Measurements of enhanced film condensation utilizing a porous metallic coating

Condensation experiments are performed on vertical isothermal porous metallic-coated which are immersed in saturated steam containing noncondensable gas at atmospheric pressure. The experimental results of a porous-coated plate system demonstrate as much as a 200% increase in heat flux (represented by an average Nusselt number) as compared to the experimental data of a plain copper surface. A comparison of the experiments with a theoretical model based on porous/fluid composite condensation that has been previously published shows relative agreement. The results of this investigation highlight the potential that exists for enhanced condensation when a porous metallic coating is utilized.