The aim of this paper is to describe the variation laws of the boiling heat transfer coefficient (h) versus the main process parameters, using a pilot scale failing film evaporator as found in many food industries. Sugar solutions at different concentrations are used as a model of Newtonian liquid food. The studied parameters affecting boiling heat transfer coefficient (h) in the falling film evaporator are: the dry matter concentration X-DM (or Brix for sugar solution), the evaporating temperature (theta(L)) or pressure (P) taking into account the boiling point elevation (BPE), the heat flux phi or the temperature difference between the heated surface and boiling liquid temperature (Delta theta) and the specific mass flow rate per unit of perimeter length (Gamma). The nature of heated surface is kept constant (stainless steel) and the effect of the emitted vapor velocity is not taken into account in our study. The variations of h with phi or Delta theta, are given for pure water and sugar solutions at different concentrations (10%, 30%. 50% and 70%), and interpreted in relation with the two boiling regimes (non-nucleate and nucleate). The transition between non-nucleate regime and nucleate regime has also been visually observed. The critical specific mass flow (Gamma(cri)) for water and sugar solution at dry matter concentration 50% has been studied. The variations of h in function of X and theta(L) at Gamma = 0.56 (kg m(-1) s(-1)) at three different heat fluxes(2,20 and 80 kW m(-2)) have been presented. Two models to correlate h in function of viscosity at Gamma = 0.56(kg m(-1) s(-1)) at two different heat fluxes (20 and 80 kW m(-2)) have been established, and have been compared with a bibliographic model presented by Van der Poel et al. [P.W. Van der Poel, H. Schiwec, T. Schwartz, Sugar Technology Beet and Cane Sugar Manufacture, Verlag Dr. Albert Battens KG, Berlin, 1998]. In this paper, experimental results and experimental models, for prediction h in sugar solutions in function of X-DM, theta(L)(degrees C), phi(kW m(-2)) and Gamma (kg m(-1) s(-1)) are presented. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.