Simultaneous thermal and optical imaging of two-phase flow in a micro-model

Area of Science:

• Multiphase flow
• Heat transfer in porous media
• Non-equilibrium thermodynamics

Background:

• Heat transfer coefficients in multiphase flow through porous media are often unknown.
• Micro-models are valuable experimental tools for studying two-phase flow dynamics.
• Understanding temperature development is crucial for approximating heat transfer coefficients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and describe an innovative PDMS micro-model for studying non-equilibrium heat transfer.
• To present a novel setup for simultaneous thermal and optical imaging of fluid flow.
• To investigate heat exchange between immiscible fluids during dynamic drainage and imbibition.

Main Methods:

• Design and fabrication of an elongated PDMS micro-model (14.4 × 39 mm², 100 μm depth).
• Development of a simultaneous thermal and optical imaging system for closed flow cells.
• Conducting dynamic drainage and imbibition experiments within the micro-model.
• Continuous monitoring of fluid distribution and thermal signatures.

Main Results:

• Successful design and implementation of a novel micro-model and imaging setup.
• Demonstration of simultaneous thermal and optical imaging in a closed micro-model system.
• Acquisition of qualitative data on fluid distribution and thermal behavior during dynamic experiments.

Conclusions:

• The developed micro-model and imaging system enable the study of non-equilibrium heat transfer in multiphase flow.
• The setup facilitates continuous monitoring of fluid dynamics and thermal signatures.
• This approach provides a foundation for approximating heat transfer coefficients in porous media.