Two-phase flow regime identification through local temperature mapping

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Two-phase flows underpin some of our most ubiquitous technologies, ranging from micro-scale liquid-liquid electronics cooling to macro-scale liquid-vapour condensation in Rankine cycle thermoelectric power plants. Establishing the morphology of a two-phase flow, under a prescribed set of conditions, is considered particularly important. As the pressure loss and heat transfer characteristics of a two-phase flow are intimately linked to the fluidic arrangement, knowledge of the prevailing flow topology enhances understanding, and can lead to the development of flow-specific correlations and/or models. This paper presents a novel, non-invasive experimental measurement technique for identifying the predominant flow regime of a diabatic flow in a horizontal, circular tube. Specifically, this paper focuses on condensing flows of steam, at typical Rankine cycle conditions. However, it is proposed that the arrangement and methodology can be applied to other diabatic cases. The suggested approach employs a temperature measurement platform, from in-situ instrumentation, to determine the temperature difference associated with the presence of a liquid film inside the tube. Through analysis and interpretation of local temperature difference measurements around the inside tube circumference, and along the tube length, the flow regime can be identified. For the case examined in this paper, the flow regime was seen to transition from an annular-type profile nearest the tube inlet to a stratified-wavy topology towards the tube exit.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2nd Thermal and Fluid Engineering Summer Conference, TFESC 2017 and 4th International Workshop on Heat Transfer, IWHT 2017
PublisherBegell House Inc.
Pages1349-1360
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781567004700
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Event2nd Thermal and Fluid Engineering Summer Conference, TFESC 2017 and 4th International Workshop on Heat Transfer, IWHT 2017 - Las Vegas, United States
Duration: 2 Apr 20175 Apr 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Thermal and Fluids Engineering Summer Conference
Volume2017-April
ISSN (Electronic)2379-1748

Conference

Conference2nd Thermal and Fluid Engineering Summer Conference, TFESC 2017 and 4th International Workshop on Heat Transfer, IWHT 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLas Vegas
Period2/04/175/04/17

Keywords

  • Condensation
  • Flow mapping
  • Flow regime
  • Horizontal tube
  • Instrumentation
  • Two-phase flow

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