In this study, a mathematical model for the laminar falling film is presented in order to simulate the evaporation heat transfer characteristics in falling liquid oxygen films. The model takes into account the effect of the interfacial shear. The values of the film thickness, the heat transfer coefficient as well as the interfacial shear are obtained under given conditions by solving the model with an iteration method. The influences of the inlet Reynolds number, channel length and the interfacial shear on the flow and heat transfer characteristics of the falling film evaporation are analyzed in detail. Effects of key factors on the circulation ratio of the inlet fluid mass flow rate to the generated vapor mass flow rate, an important design parameter for reboilers/condensers, are particularly analyzed. In addition, the variations of the average vapor velocity and interfacial film velocity are also discussed. The analysis results could provide theoretical guidance for the simulation and design of downflow reboilers/condensers applied in air separation units. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.