Summary
In certain extreme conditions characterized by ultra-low water vapor content and ultra-low temperatures (e.g. cryogenic wind tunnel), trace water vapor frosting can also pose significant hazards. Considering the crucial role of initial nucleation on subsequent frosting processes, this study firstly investigated and compared the nucleation characteristics of frosting at different water vapor contents (0.1−1000 ppmv) from humid air to trace water vapor based on classical nucleation theory. The preferred nucleation phase diagrams and critical nucleation conditions were analyzed. Sensitivity of the nucleation mass transfer rate, as well as the frosting pathways were further identified. Results show that the nucleation characteristics of trace water vapor frosting (<100 ppmv) is significantly different from that of humid air frosting (>1000 ppmv). Trace water vapor frosting is more inclined towards desublimation nucleation due to its lower nucleation temperature and larger critical contact angle. The critical contact angles for 1000 ppmv, 100 ppmv and 0.1 ppmv are 49°, 75° and 120°, respectively. Furthermore, trace water vapor nucleation requires a greater subcooling degree, has a smaller critical nucleation radius, and is highly sensitive to surface contact angle and further-subcooling degree. At a surface contact angle of 120°, the nucleation subcooling degree of 0.1 ppmv is 2.9 K greater than that of 1000 ppmv. This study helps understanding the nucleation characteristics under different water vapor content conditions, which indicates that reducing subcooling degree and increasing contact angle are more effective anti-frosting methods than reducing water vapor content for trace water vapor frosting.
Available documents
Format PDF
Pages: 423-437
Available
Public price
20 €
Member price*
Free
* Best rate depending on membership category (see the detailed benefits of individual and corporate memberships).
Details
- Original title: Theoretical analysis of the initial nucleation characteristics of trace water vapor frosting on a cryogenic surface.
- Record ID : 30032871
- Languages: English
- Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 168
- Publication date: 2024/12
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2024.08.026
Links
See other articles in this issue (63)
See the source
Indexing
- Themes: N/A
- Keywords: Frost; Nucleation; Subcooling; Cryogenics; Modelling
-
A study of frost nucleation on flat surfaces: t...
- Author(s) : PIUCCO R. O., HERMES C. J. L., MELO C., et al.
- Date : 2008/07/14
- Languages : English
- Source: 2008 Purdue Conferences. 19th International Compressor Engineering Conference at Purdue & 12th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue [CD-ROM].
- Formats : PDF
View record
-
Heat transfer characteristics of cooling.
- Author(s) : CHANDRATILLEKE G. R., SATO A.
- Date : 1993
- Languages : Japanese
- Source: Cryogenics/ Cryog. Eng. - vol. 28 - n. 5
View record
-
Microscopic study of frost inception.
- Author(s) : GEORGIADIS J. G.
- Date : 1996/05/29
- Languages : English
- Source: Proceedings of the 2nd European Thermal-Sciences (EUROTHERM) and 14th UIT National Heat Transfer Conference 1996.
View record
-
THE NUCLEATION OF ICE IN SUBCOOLED WATER AND AQ...
- Author(s) : FRANKS F., MATHIAS S. F., TRAFFORD K.
- Date : 1984
- Languages : English
- Source: Colloids Surf. - vol. 11 - n. 3-4
View record
-
Fundamental study on continuous ice making usin...
- Author(s) : INABA H., TAKEYA K., NOZU S.
- Date : 1994/05
- Languages : English
- Source: JSME int. J., B - vol. 37 - n. 2
View record