Analysis of the thermo-pneumatic properties of copper oxide-based nanofluids for pressure generation during membrane filtration

Abstract

• The method used in the synthesis of nanoparticles, influences their shapes. • The stability of nanoparticles in nanofluids greatly affects their thermal conductivity enhancement. • The enthalpy of vaporization of volatile liquids is lowered when nanoparticles are dispersed in the fluid. • Nanofluids generally have improved thermal properties than their pure base fluids. The development of nanofluids and their application in heat transfer systems has been improved in recent years. These nanofluids enable heat engines to work at lower temperatures and utilize low-grade energy sources more efficiently especially in membrane filtration systems. In this study, CuO and Cu 2 O nanoparticles were synthesized, characterized, and used in preparing nanofluids. These nanofluids were then tested for vapour pressure generation enhancement in a diaphragm pump. Optimization of the thermo-pneumatic properties of the nanofluids was done through altering the nature, shape, size, and weight concentrations of the copper oxide nanoparticles in different base fluids. The equilibrium vapour pressure generated by a 0.1 wt% CuO nanofluid at 30 °C was found to be 100% higher than that of the pure working liquid. The 0.1 wt% CuO nanofluid also attained equilibrium pressures at a rate that was 37% faster on average than for the pure working liquid in the temperature range of 35 °C to 60 °C. he latent heat of vaporization of the pure volatile liquid was decreased by 15,7% and its thermal conductivity was enhanced by 26,2% by the 0.1 wt% CuO working liquid which showed the best stability at a pH of 6.