IIR document

Experimental analysis of the crystallisation of a water-ethanol aqueous solution in a tubular heat exchanger.

Summary

One of the challenges of ice slurry generation is the creation of small ice crystals in the solution without risk of choking the equipment. The nucleation usually appears after a supercooling state that remains a key aspect of this technology. In order to focus on this crucial problem, the crystallization of a water ethanol solution was studied in a transparent tubular heat exchanger. The authors' experiments consisted in cooling the solution until ice slurry formation. Flow visualization permitted mainly to determine the conditions of crystallization according to the flow rate. A limited range of flow rate permitted to obtain the desired ice slurry quality. The heterogeneous crystallization appeared on the wall and dendrites began to develop before being carried away by the solution. Experiments also indicated that dendrites growth at the freezing front towards the entrance of the tube. The velocity of this retro-propagation phenomenon was estimated using an image analysis tool. Temperature measurements also provided important information on this retro-propagation phenomenon. A numerical model is being developed in order to predict this process and to further investigate the influence of the main parameters on the ice slurry generation.

Available documents

Format PDF

Pages: ICR07-B1-941

Available

  • Public price

    20 €

  • Member price*

    Free

* Best rate depending on membership category (see the detailed benefits of individual and corporate memberships).

Details

  • Original title: Experimental analysis of the crystallisation of a water-ethanol aqueous solution in a tubular heat exchanger.
  • Record ID : 2007-2632
  • Languages: English
  • Source: ICR 2007. Refrigeration Creates the Future. Proceedings of the 22nd IIR International Congress of Refrigeration.
  • Publication date: 2007/08/21

Links


See other articles from the proceedings (839)
See the conference proceedings