The simultaneous mass and energy evaporation (SM2E) model

Area of Science:

• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Existing theoretical models for mass and energy transfer in evaporation often exhibit systematic under or over predictions.
• These discrepancies occur across laminar, transition, and turbulent flow regimes, necessitating model refinement.
• Experimental data is crucial for validating and improving the accuracy of evaporation models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the Simultaneous Mass and Energy Evaporation (SM2E) model.
• To enhance the prediction accuracy of evaporation rates for various liquids and flow conditions.
• To provide a unified model applicable to pure liquids and liquid mixtures.

Main Methods:

• Development of the SM2E model based on established theoretical principles of mass and energy transfer.
• Harmonization of theoretical models with 113 experimental evaporation rate measurements.
• Testing the model's applicability across laminar, transition, and turbulent flow regimes.

Main Results:

• The SM2E model demonstrates improved accuracy in estimating evaporation rates compared to previous theoretical models.
• The model is validated against experimental data for pure liquids and binary mixtures.
• The SM2E model accounts for evaporative cooling effects and simplifies to a mass transfer-only model under isothermal conditions.

Conclusions:

• The SM2E model offers a more reliable method for predicting evaporation rates in diverse flow conditions.
• The model's ability to incorporate evaporative cooling enhances its practical applicability.
• Further testing with a wider range of liquid mixtures is recommended as data becomes available.