A Study on Two-Phase Flow with High Viscosity and Low Surface Tension Liquid in a 40-Degree Inclined Mini Channel

Abstract

There are numerous applications of two-phase flow in mini pipes, including electronics cooling systems, microreactors in the chemical industry, and material development and manufacturing. This application requires a thorough understanding and is supported by complete data and information. However, the data and information are currently limited. Experimental research has been carried out on flow patterns, void fractions, and two-phase flow pressure gradients in small pipes. This study aims to obtain primary data on the subject. Dry air and a mixture of 67% distilled water, 30% glycerin, and 3% butanol represent the gas and liquid phases, respectively. The addition of butanol and glycerin each aims to reduce surface tension and improve the viscosity of the liquid phase, respectively. The density, kinematic viscosity, and surface tension of the liquid were 1,080.4 kg/m³, 2,368 mm²/s, and 38.6 mN/m, respectively. The test section was a 1.6 mm diameter glass pipe equipped with an optical correction box. The gas superficial velocity (JG) ranged from 0.025 to 66.3 m/s, whereas liquid superficial velocity (JL) varied from 0.033 to 4.935 m/s. The experiment was conducted under adiabatic conditions. Plug, slug-annular, annular, disperse bubbly, and churn flow patterns emerged, while separated flow was not discovered. For plug, slug-annular, and dispersed bubbly flows, the increase of JG proportionally affected the void fraction. However, for churn and annular flows, no particular relationship existed between JG and void fraction due to the slip between the real velocities of the gas and the liquid. The pressure gradient rose as JG and JL increased.