Abstract The condenser is a key piece of apparatus in distillation and condensation-reflux experiments. In distillation experiments, the condenser is placed in a downward-inclined position. The condensing water flowing in the bottom-in and top-out mode moves countercurrently to the hot fluid, thus achieving efficient heat exchange. In condensation-reflux experiments, the condenser is arranged vertically. When the condensing water adopts the bottom-in and top-out flow direction, it flows cocurrently with the hot vapor and countercurrently with the condensed hot liquid that is refluxed, resulting in a complex heat exchange process. The reverse flow direction of the condensing water also yields a favorable condensation-reflux effect. When conducting condensation-reflux of low-boiling-point solvents (e.g., diethyl ether), it is necessary to control the heating power and appropriately increase the condensing water flow rate. Given the narrow inner tube of the coil condenser, which may impede the reflux of the condensed liquid, stricter control over the heating power is required.
LIAO Chao-Sheng, SU Yan-E, WANG Ping. Experimental Inquiry on Flow Direction of Condensing Water in Distillation and Condensation-Reflux Experiments[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Education, 2026, 47(9): 57-60.
