Experimental and Computational Analysis of Steam Condensation in the Presence of Air and Helium

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of investigations devoted to the study of steam condensation in the presence of air and a light noncondensable gas. A double strategy has been adopted, including complementary experimental and computational activities. Novel data have been made available by the CONAN (CONdensation with Aerosols and Noncondensable gases) facility, investigating the effects induced by light noncondensable gases in experimental configurations that were scarcely investigated in past studies. Computational fluid dynamics condensation models have been developed and validated. The suitability of helium as a substitute for hydrogen in experimental activities has been investigated by theoretical and computational analyses that allow establishing simple criteria for the scaling of condensation tests in the presence of a light noncondensable gas.