Experimental investigation of air-water two-phase flow in a 1mm x 1mm cross section channel
Advancing the chemical engineering fundamentals
Multifase Flows (T2-5P)
Keywords: gas liquid flow, two phase flow, low liquid loading
In chemical industries, gas-liquid two phase flows with very low liquid loading are common. One area involving gas-liquid flow with low liquid loading is miniaturized channels for the design of structured catalyst bed as opposed to conventional packed bed catalytic reactors. Models for mass transfer and reaction kinetics depend on accurate identification and characterization of the two-phase flow pattern. In this paper an investigation of air-water flow pattern in a horizontal 1mm x 1mm PMMA(Polymethyl Methacrylate) square channel is presented. The water and air flow rate ranges from 0.02 ml/min – 1 ml /min and 4 ml/min – 250 ml/min, respectively. The flow patterns are visualized using a high speed CCD camera mounted on a microscope. The camera is capable of taking up to 1000 frames per second. Further, the two-phase flow pattern is mapped using the superficial velocities of water (Vsw) versus superficial velocity of air (Vsa). Flow patterns for different entrance conditions are compared. In addition, the flow at two 90o bends at 1 mm distance from each other is investigated.
See the full pdf manuscript of the abstract.
Presented Tuesday 18, 13:30 to 15:00, in session Multifase Flows (T2-5P).
