On the prediction of condenser plate temperatures in a cross-flow condenser

A prediction method is presented for the gas-sided plate temperatures at the inlet and at the outlet of a compact, cross-flow condenser. The method employs measured (or predicted) heat flow rates and temperatures of both coolant and gas, at inlet and outlet. The method is validated using infrared recordings of temperature field histories. A comparison is made with a method to predict the mean gas-sided temperature using a coolant side `established' relation and conduction in the wall. The latter method has also been validated utilising infrared thermography. Exit plate temperature predictions are important for the prediction of the maximum gas cleaning efficiency of the condenser, used as a scrubber to extract toxic soluble components.