A steady-state one-dimensional multiphase flow model is developed to describe the characteristics of a spray column type direct-contact liquid–liquid heat exchanger. Several models are assumed to describe the interphase heat exchange between water as the continuous phase and organic liquids as the dispersed phase. For small-diameter droplets, it is shown that existing experimental data are best described by a model that assumes the heat transfer is controlled by conduction within the drops.
The governing equations for the transient multiphase flow in a liquid–liquid spray column are developed. Using the model, numerical calculations are presented that represent typical fluctuations observed in the operation of the direct contact tower of the U.S. Department of Energy’s 500-kWe geothermal power plant at East Mesa, CA. The response time is determined for the column and conditions leading to local flooding are determined.
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