The present theoretical study investigates turbulent film condensation on an inclined elliptical tube. Adopting the assumption of an isothermal wall surface, the energy equation, forced balance equations and thermal balance equations are derived to describe the phenomena of the condensate film. Results are obtained for the heat transfer coefficient over a wide range of vapor velocities, i.e. low condensation parameter to high condensation parameter. The optimal inclination angle of the tube in different length-radius ratios and eccentricity can be obtained in the present results. This study also discusses the influence of the degree of eccentricity of the elliptical tube on the heat transfer coefficient. Finally, a comparison is provided between the results of the present Study and those reported in a previous theoretical study. It is found that a good agreement exists between the two sets of results. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.