Computational study of subcooled water injection into steam line: effect of Reynolds number on flow transition to study condensation induced water hammers

Abstract The direct contact condensation (DCC) of steam in subcooled water encounters in wide range of the industrial applications. On one side, it is an efficient and rapid, mass and heat transfer phenomenon. But, on the other side, it may generate condensation induced water hammers (CIWH) events which may cause high pressure peaks resulting in severe damage to the mechanical systems. This computational study intends to explore the underlying physics of CIWH events while injecting subcooled water into steam filled horizontal pipe section. The Reynolds number is varied from, Re w = 60,750 to 646,900, to study the flow regimes (stratified and slug), onset of CIWH and local flooding conditions. The results have been compared with the published data and found in good agreement. It has been observed that for Re w = 182,300, flow remains stratified. However, the flow regime changes from stratified to slug flow at Re w = 303,850–646,900, possibly due to the onset of CIWH. Extensive steam pockets have been observed at Re w = 303,850, which may be considered as onset of CIWH. Local flooding condition is also started at Re w = 303,850 and is observed to be shifted upstream with the increase in Reynolds number. This study is considered to be useful for the safe design and economical operation of the relevant systems in nuclear and other related industry.