Superheated liquid carbon dioxide jets: setting up and phenomena

Abstract

We present an experimental investigation on liquid, superheated carbon dioxide jets. Our main goal is to identify the setting up requirements for generating coherent jets because these raise expectations on applications in the cleaning and cutting industry. The study leads us through a number of phenomena, which are described, categorized and explained. The experiments are based on compressed (350 MPa) and cooled carbon dioxide, which expands through a cylindrical nozzle into the atmosphere. The nozzle provokes hydraulic flip by a sharp-edge inlet leading to separation and constriction. Upstream-temperature and pressure are varied and the jet’s structure and phase state are monitored by a high-speed camera. We observe coherent, liquid jets far from equilibrium, which demands the solid or gaseous state. Therefore, these jets are superheated. Carbon dioxide jets, like water jets, below certain nozzle diameters are subject to fluid dynamic instabilities resulting in breakup. Above certain diameters flashing jet breakup appears, which is associated with nucleation.