Transient boiling flow instabilities in a multi-channel upflow system

Abstract

In this study, the transient boiling flow instabilities in a four parallel channel upflow system with and without cross-connections have been experimentally investigated using Freon-11 as the test fluid. Several series of transient experiments have been run using a step increase in power input with a constant flow control valve setting and a step decrease in flow rate with a constant heat input. Two major modes of oscillations, namely density-wave type and pressure-drop type oscillations, have been observed. Total system pressure drop has been plotted as a function of mass flow rate for various heat inputs and flow control valve settings, and the stable and unstable regions for transient density-wave type and pressure-drop type oscillations have been determined and the boundaries of sustained instabilities have also been indicated. Experiments have been conducted with equal and unequal heat inputs and the results have been compared with each other. A comparison of the transient instabilities observed in four parallel channel system with and without cross connections has also been made.