Heat Transfer Operation Questions and Answers - Climbing Film Evaporator

1. What is the direction of flow in the centre tubes and wall-side tubes of a long tube falling film evaporator?
a) Both downwards
b) Both upwards
c) Downward and upward respectively
d) Upward and downward respectively

Answer: a
Explanation: The fluid in long tube evaporators experience free fall in the long tubes and climbing back is not an option, for recirculation, the fluid is carried in a separate tube to the top.

2. Climbing film evaporator can be used only as a single effect evaporator.
a) True
b) False

Answer: b
Explanation: Climbing film evaporators are generally used as a multiple effect type ones, usually multiplied with a falling film evaporator

3. Which one of the following statement is incorrect about the factors leads to single effect operation of climbing film evaporator?
a) When the vapour is contaminated and cannot be recycled
b) The feed is highly corrosive, requiring expensive construction materials
c) The liquid has low vapour pressure
d) The energy cost to produce the steam heating is low

Answer: c
Explanation: When the liquid has low vapour pressure, then its evaporation is easier and hence the recycled vapour can be reused to heat in the subsequent effects

4. Which one of the following statements is correct about the nucleate boiling phenomenon in climbing tube evaporators?
a) There is no nucleate boiling
b) There is nucleate boiling throughout
c) Nucleate boiling near the entrance but not later
d) Nucleate boiling near the exit and nowhere else

Answer: c
Explanation: We use steam as the heating agent here, so at the entrance, there is little nucleate boiling that occurs but not elsewhere

5. Climbing film evaporators are necessarily Long tube evaporators.
a) True
b) False

Answer: a
Explanation: Climbing film evaporators are a subclass of long tube evaporators along with falling film evaporators.

6. How does the fluid in climbing film evaporator rise in the tubes?
a) There is a pump at the bottom that pushes it
b) Pressure gradient is applied
c) The vapour produced then pushes the fluid upward
d) Temperature gradient causes convection that moves upward

Answer: c
Explanation: The vapour produced while heating the wall presses the liquid against the walls of the tubes and causes the ascending force of this liquid that lifts it upward.

7. Which one of the following is not a use of climbing tube evaporator?
a) Thermal desalination
b) Juice concentration
c) Pharmaceuticals
d) Feed-water purification

Answer: d
Explanation: Feed-water is corrosive and fouling, hence it cannot be used with climbing film evaporators.

8. What is the pressure used for thermal desalination of water in climbing film evaporators?
a) Close to zero
b) Very high around 3-4atm
c) Atmospheric pressure
d) Just below 1atm

Answer: a
Explanation: The thermal desalination of water is carried out in vacuum conditions that allow for the use of lower temperatures. It is most commonly used with climbing film evaporators with vacuum conditions at the top basket.

9. Why are food, pharmaceuticals and sensitive fluids used in climbing tube evaporators?
a) The pressure is very low
b) There is very less temperature gradient
c) The fluid is not exposed to high temperature for a long period of time
d) Its heated by natural convection

Answer: c
Explanation:The food and pharmaceutical industry requires handling of delicate products that are sensitive to high temperature for long periods of time. Climbing film evaporators can operate quickly and efficiently to avoid exposing the product to high temperatures which may damage its quality.

10. Which one of the following is not an advantage of climbing film evaporator?
a) Low residence time
b) High efficiency
c) Low temperature difference required
d) Low pressure operation

Answer: b
Explanation: The rising film evaporator usually do not have high efficiency, this is majorly due to its low residence time and the requirement of driving force to drive the liquid upward which may sometimes prove to be ineffective.