Water spray cooling of stainless and C-Mn steel

This paper describes laboratory cooling experiments of C-Mn and stainless steel with a water/air nozzle, Experiments included use of both the steady state and the transient experimental method. The heat transfer coefficient was calculated both analytically and by a numerical method. The heat transfer coefficient was evaluated as a function of steel surface temperature, water flux, material and water/air flow, It was found that by increasing the water flux the heat transfer coefficient also increased. The Leidenfrost point was shifted to higher temperatures. Increasing air flow was also found to increase the heat transfer coefficient. Maximum heat transfer coefficient was twice as large for the C-Mn steel as for the stainless steel. Comparison of the steady state and transient experimental method showed good agreement in the temperature range 200 - 500 degrees C, and with a water flux of 2 l/m(2) s. Above 500 degrees C it was difficult to obtain stable conditions for the steady state experiments.