Numerical modelling of steam condensing flow in low and high-pressure nozzles

The paper presents the computational results of the wet steam flow through the Laval nozzles for low and high inlet pressures. The results of the numerical modelling are compared with experimental data. The comparisons constitute validation tests of the condensation model implemented into an in-house CFD code solving the RANS equations for the real gas equation of state. The steam condensing flow is modelled by means of the single-fluid model, which means that the conservation equations are formulated for the vapour/liquid mixture. The water vapour properties are described by means of the local equation of state. An effective method of determination of water vapour properties are presented in the cases of expansion in the nozzle at high pressures. The presented results are compared with published experimental values. The validation of the in-house CFD code proves its usefulness for modelling the steam condensing flow for both low and high inlet pressures. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.