Inorganic Fluids Research Articles

Research Progress on Direct Contact Evaporation Heat Transfer between Two Immiscible Working Fluids

AbstractThe direct contact evaporation heat transfer of two immiscible fluids can realize low‐temperature differential heat transfer, which is an important method to improve the heat transfer coefficient. This article focuses on the dispersed phase of organic working fluids and the continuous phase of immiscible inorganic fluids and summarizes the research on direct contact evaporation heat transfer in the past 15 years. The main research methods include theoretical analysis, numerical models, and experimental research. The evaporation process of a single droplet mainly involves bubble droplet growth, droplet configuration and discriminant, droplet shape change, rising speed and path, etc. In practice, dispersed phases mostly exist in populations, and the research mainly focuses on collisions, coalescence, and rupture between droplets and bubbles, as well as on the number and size distribution. The volumetric heat transfer coefficient is used to reflect the heat transfer capacity of the heat exchanger. The factors affecting evaporation heat transfer performance are complex, and increasing the uniform mixing of bubbles is an important method to improve the heat transfer coefficient. In the future, direct contact evaporation heat transfer is expected to be promoted to multiple fields.

The Effects of inorganic Fluids on the Properties of Thermoplastics

The first polyethylene plant came on stream in 1939. This challenging, resilient material found immediate application as a bold for high-frequency low-voltage cables in radar, and its low-loss properties were later exploited in high-performance transatlantic submarine cables. The objective of this project is to look at the effects of inorganic fluids on the mechanical and physical properties of the thermoplastics, using the sulphuric (H2SO4) acid 98 % which was used to make three environments (1 M, 0.1 M, and 0.01 M), and other two environments, water and dry air. The polymers used in this project are Nylon 66 unfilled, Nylon 66 glass-fiber filled, and fiberglass. They were immersed in these environments to see the changes in their properties during the time of ten weeks, by tensile and Stress-Strain test.

An investigation of the fluid-holding cavities in a lignocellulose-based bamboo matrix via a combined X-ray microtomography and proton time-domain NMR approach

Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is a functionally graded material with well-organized hierarchical structures. Its micrometer-sized vascular bundles and parenchymatic living cells allow an efficient upward flow of water and nutrients, endowing the organism with remarkably fast growth. As demonstrated recently, the hollow microstructure channels can be explored as a natural template for microfluidics applications in chemical synthesis, analytical detection, solar steam generation, and electrochemical devices. Thus, the knowledge of the kinetics of the imbibition and spatial distribution of fluid through the microcavities of the bamboo vegetal tissue became of interest. Here, we employed a combination of X-ray microtomography (µCT) and proton time-domain NMR (TD-NMR) to identify, measure, and investigate empty volumes embedded in the bamboo’s tissue as experienced by different organic and inorganic fluids, namely dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and distilled water (H2O). Results have shown that the extensive communication between the voids (parenchymal cells and vascular channels) does not prevent the individuation of fluid reservoirs with different behaviors, as evidenced by the H2O desorption profile. Bamboo parenchyma was the tissue that retained more residual H2O after desorption. The difference in wettability of bamboo tissues by DMSO and H2O was detected.Graphical abstract

Geochemical assessment of inorganic fluids from carbon capture, utilization and sequestration project in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Aramco has designed and implemented a geochemical monitoring and surveillance program for the first and largest Carbon Capture, Utilization and Sequestration project in the Middle East. The objective of this program is to quantify geochemical changes in reservoir fluids during water-flooding and CO2 injection to evaluate geochemical reactions, mixing processes during water alternating-gas (WAG) cycles, arrival times of injected fluids, sealing attributes for CO2 sequestration, and scaling tendencies. From 2012 to 2021, 280 time-lapse water samples from four CO2 producer wells, one gas-oil-separation plant, and nine shallow aquifer wells were analyzed and interpreted on the temporal variation of reactive elements (Ca, Mg, HCO3, SO4) and conservative parameters (Na, Cl). Except for one producer well, water-flooding did not alter the composition of produced water in observation wells. Almost three years after starting WAG, the arrival of injection fluid was detected in March 2018. Mixing of formation water with injection water resulted to be the dominant physical process. The abundance of heterogenous dolomite layers and elevated Ca/Mg and Ca/HCO3 ratios of produced water from one of the wells imply the partial interaction with specific reservoir horizons. Analogue geochemical trends point toward a hydraulically connected system for three of the producer wells, with sealing features for the fourth. The observed results are essential to calibrate CO2 reactive transport models for the prediction of a long-term sequestration of CO2. The lack of any communication between the reservoir formation and overlying groundwater zones assures in-situ confinement of CO2 as important conclusion of this study.

Whitening of fire opal: Transformation of silica in soils

Of all the world's gem opal deposits, Ethiopian's ones stand out for their quantitative production of white opals and orange fire opals. They also provide a significantly amount of intriguing specimens displaying a translucent, porous, white periphery covering a transparent, massive, orange core. These “zoned opals” are stable (they do not evolve with time after mining) and are only encountered in Ethiopia thus far. This suggest that the environment of formation and residence of opals, attributed to pedogenetic processes in a strongly weathered environment, play an important role in the formation of those specimens. We hypothesized that “zoned opals” are a transitional state between orange and white opal due to a progressive and centripetal transformation caused by fluids in the soil. First, we document the properties of zoned opals for the first time and compare them to entirely orange opals from Ethiopia (Wegel Tena and Mezezo) and Mexico, by multi-scale techniques: UV–visible absorption spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, LA-ICP-MS, Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. White periphery proved to be more porous, depleted in iron, and structurally more polymerized compared to the orange cores. Second, we conduct experimental modeling of the “external whitening” phenomenon as it could occur in a pedogenetic environment rich in both organic and inorganic fluids. For that, we submitted orange opals to various solutions of reactants naturally occurring in soils or acting as good proxies for acidolysis and/or complexolysis: oxalic acid, sulfuric acid, EDTA, pyoverdine and deferoxamine. Some of organic and inorganic solutions at pH = 1, proved to satisfactorily model the natural whitening. As for natural opals, whitened samples were more porous and depleted in iron. However, the polymerization state of the silica network significantly decreased. Moreover, through the short time scale of our experiments, it evolved in a non-linear manner. That is why, depolymerization and increase of porosity may induce repolymerization with longer times after the external whitening destabilization phenomenon, as it is seen for 30–20 million years old naturally whitened samples.

3D tribo-nanoprinting using triboreactive materials

Tribology: the science of friction, wear and lubrication has never been associated in a positive way with the ability to manufacture at the nanoscale. Triboreactivity, when the contact between two surfaces promotes a chemical reaction, has been harnessed in this study to create highly tenacious nano-features. The reported 3D tribo-nanoprinting methodology has been demonstrated for organic and inorganic fluids on steel and silicon substrates and is adaptable through the interface tribology. The growth rate, composition and shape of the printed features were all found to be dependent on the nature of the printing liquid and shearing interfaces in addition to the applied temperature and contact force. The reported methodology in this study opens unprecedented future possibilities to utilize the nanoprinted films for the expanding fields of microelectronics, medical devices, flexible electronics and sensor technologies.

Characteristics and factors controlling reservoir space in the Cretaceous volcanic rocks of the Hailar Basin, NE China

We discuss the types, capacity, formation mechanisms, and main controlling factors of oil and gas reservoir spaces in Early Cretaceous acidic volcanic rocks of the Hailar Basin, NE China, where asphalt-bearing volcanic rocks are exposed at the surface. We have made systematic observations and analyses on macroscopic (outcrop) and microscopic (optical microscope, SEM, and fluorescence analyzer) scales. Acidic volcanic reservoirs contain reservoir spaces comprising primary and secondary porosity, which are dependent on primary and secondary processes during their formation. Primary porosity typically accounts for a large contribution to enhanced reservoir quality. More importantly, it is a prerequisite for migration, alteration, and filling by inorganic fluids and petroleum, which provides a foundation for the development of secondary porosity. The development of secondary porosity, especially alteration-related pores, can significantly modify the petrophysical characteristics of a rock. In addition to the processes of porosity formation, the quality of volcanic reservoirs is influenced by factors such as lithology, lithofacies, and tectonism. Lithological differences result in variations in the type and intensity of pore development. Pyromeride and glassy lava commonly exhibit high reservoir capacities. The porosity of different lithofacies typically follows the order of conduit facies > extrusive facies > effusive facies > explosive facies. Tectonism is necessary for the formation of reservoir spaces and for the migration, permeation, and accumulation of oil and gas. Reservoir quality is often positively correlated with the size and density of tectonic fractures.

A generalized Kiselev crossover approach applied to Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state

Three different variants of the crossover Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state are applied to describe the equilibrium behaviour of 72 common non-associating fluids – 27 hydrocarbons (including the first 10 n-alkanes), 36 halogenated refrigerants, 5 cryogenics (fluorine, oxygen, nitrogen, argon and carbon monoxide) and 4 other industrially important inorganic fluids (carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxide and sulfur hexafluoride). The model contains six compound dependent parameters.Two of them (a0 and b of the classical part) are adjusted on the critical experimental temperature and the critical pressure. In a first model denoted as model A, the four remaining parameters are fitted to describe the saturated liquid and vapour densities and vapor pressures as well as PVT data at pressures up to P=3×Pc. In the second model (model B), the dispersion softness m is expressed as a function of the acentric factor ω and a relation between two of the crossover parameters is employed; the number of fitted parameters is thus reduced to two. Based on model B, we suggested our final Model C, in which all the parameters can be determined from the critical point, acentric factor or rectlinear diameter. This model is superior to the classical Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state because it improves considerably the description of the liquid densities over the whole coexistence region. Contrary to equations of state optimized to reproduce the liquid densities at low temperatures, the crossover equation does not overpredict the critical temperature and pressure. Model C is applied to describe the equilibrium behaviour of two compounds not included in the parameterization, hexafluoropropene (HFO1216) and hexafluoropropene oxide (HFPO).

Working fluid selection for a subcritical bottoming cycle applied to a high exhaust gas recirculation engine

The selection of a suitable working fluid for a BC (Bottoming Cycle) system is one of the most important steps in maximising system performance and minimising the system size and cost. The presented work details a systematic approach in the selection of working fluids applied to a subcritical cycle with minimum superheat. Over 60 different synthetic, organic, and inorganic fluids were studied. The fluid selection study was decomposed into numerous fluid screening and fluid ranking criteria with common boundary conditions and assumptions. After the cycle was optimised for maximum overall conversion efficiency, the fluid ranking criteria allowed the objective assessment of the working fluids. Acetone, dichloromethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene were found as the best candidates for optimal performance and system related trade-offs, contrary to commonly used R245fa, ethanol and water. A BC integrated into an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) only engine platform to meet Euro 6 oxides of nitrogen emission is examined for improved fuel economy and reduced load on the engine cooling module. The BC simulation results for EGR and partial high temperature after-cooler heat recovery using the proposed new fluids show a specific fuel saving potential between 9.8 and 13.7% for a typical cruise and high load conditions.

Two-parameter Rankine Heat Pumps’ COP Equations

Equations for ideal vapour compression heat pump coefficient of performance (COPR) which contain two fit-parameters are reported in this work. These equations contain either temperature term alone or temperature and pressure terms as the only thermodynamic variable(s). The best equation gave error ≥5% over wide range of temperature-lift and for different working fluid types that include fluorocarbons, hydrocarbons and inorganic fluids. In these respects the equation performs better than the one-parameter models reported earlier.

Investigation of the Criteria for Fluid Selection in Rankine Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery

The organic Rankine cycle is a promising way for the conversion of low temperature heat to electricity. Different fluids can be used in Rankine cycles for the utilization of waste heat. The suitability of a certain fluid will depend on its thermodynamic properties as well as on the conditions at which the heat is available, thus it is often unclear if an organic fluid has any advantage compared to inorganic fluids like water. Various substances starting from the refrigerants to high boiling organic liquids have been investigated as possible working fluids for the different temperature ranges at which the waste heat is available. The present communication reports the results for three different classes of substances: 1) a hydrocarbon (n-heptane); 2) two refrigerants 1.1.1.3.3-pentafluoropropane (R245fa) and pentafluoro butane mixture (Solkatherm, SES36); and, 3) water in the intermediate temperature range (473 to 773 K) where the exhaust gases of combustion engines may be used as energy source for cogeneration. In this range it turns out that for many conditions, water and heptane are well suited working fluids for cogeneration systems. In the present investigation, the attention was not laid on the cycle efficiency alone, but also on the total exergy usage from an enthalpy stream (e.g. exhausts gas). This is taken into account while discussing the quality of the process. The results for different thermodynamic parameters and the surface area of the heat exchanger have been discussed. TH − �diagrams were also used for judging the suitability of a fluid. It turns out that water is well

Prognostication of properties of molecular inorganic fluids from the stoichiometric formula of a compound

A method is suggested for prognosticating the physicochemical properties of molecular inorganic fluids in the total absence of experimental information about the properties of a substance under study. The method makes it possible to determine quite a number of properties on the basis of only the stoichiometric formula of a compound.

Tensioned metastable fluids and nanoscale interactions with external stimuli—Theoretical-cum-experimental assessments and nuclear engineering applications

The field of tensioned (sub-zero pressure) metastability of organic and inorganic fluids and their responses to external stimuli is under study at Purdue University. Unique properties related to energy storage and sub-nano scale response to external stimuli have been found that give rise to the capability for causing localized supercritical states leading to fluid boiling by visible light photons and other fundamental particles over eight orders of magnitude in the energy range (i.e., from the sub −eV to MeV range). A theoretical model is developed for predicting limits of tension metastability and validated against experimental data. Resonant acoustics and centrifugal force-based systems are described for attaining as-desired tension metastable states along with triggering mechanisms for nano-to-macroscale energy storage-cum-release. Finite-element modeling and simulation framework for design of such systems with experimental benchmarking are described. Technological impacts on diverse fields such as nuclear material detection, physics-based spectroscopy, monitoring of power levels in nuclear systems, general cavitation physics of fluids, acoustically driven thermonuclear fusion, and super compression states attainment are discussed.

Metallotropic liquid crystals formed by surfactant templating of molten metal halides

Liquid crystals consist of anisotropic molecular units, and most are organic molecules. Materials incorporating metals into anisotropic molecules, described as metallomesogens, have been prepared. Anisotropic structures such as one-dimensional chains and two-dimensional layers are frequently observed in solid-state inorganic materials, however, little is understood about structural organization in melts of such materials. Achieving liquid-crystalline behaviour in inorganic fluids should be possible if the anisotropic structure can be retained or designed into the molten phase. We demonstrated the ability to engineer zeolite-type structures into metal halide glasses and liquids. In this work we have engineered lamellar, cubic and hexagonal liquid-crystalline structure in metal-halide melts by controlling the volume fraction and nature of the inorganic block (up to 80 mol%) with respect to alkylammonium surfactants. The high metal content of these liquid-crystalline systems significantly advances the field of metallomesogens, which seeks to combine magnetic, electronic, optical, redox and catalytic properties common to inorganic materials with the fluid properties of liquid crystals.

Comparative efficiencies and implications for greenhouse gas emissions of chiller refrigerants

This paper summarizes analyses of refrigerant options for chillers. It presents tabulated global warming potentials and other environmental data for candidate refrigerants. The paper discusses briefly the historic progression in refrigerant release reductions and presents analyses to compare the efficiencies of historic and current refrigerant options. The 28 refrigerants addressed include chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), hydrocarbon (HC), and inorganic (such as ammonia) fluids. The paper discusses the relative importance of the refrigerant-related and energy-related components of chiller emissions.

Perturbation theory based equation of state for polar molecular fluids: II. Fluid mixtures

The equation of state (EOS) for 98 pure organic and inorganic fluids formulated by Churakov and Gottschalk (2003) is extended to complex fluid mixtures. For the calculation of the thermodynamic properties of mixtures, theoretical combining rules from statistical mechanics are used. These mixing rules do not involve any empirical parameters. The properties of the fluid mixtures are directly derived from those of the pure constituents. As an example we show that the EOS describes accurately the thermodynamic relations in the H 2O-CO 2 binary at high pressures and temperatures. At subcritical conditions the EOS is able to reproduce accurately the phase relations within mixtures of non-polar fluids. In particular the EOS predicts phase separations within various fluid mixtures of polar and non-polar molecules.

Dielectric Permittivity of Soils Mixed with Organic and Inorganic Fluids (0.02 GHz to 1.30 GHz)

Changes in the characteristics of the pore fluid in soils, such as concentration, valence, and permittivity, affect the electrical properties of the bulk fluid and the formation of double layers, causes volumetric changes and alters the fabric of the soil. The complex permittivity spectrum of a clay-fluid system reflects the polarizability of the phases and their interaction. This paper presents a review of polarization mechanisms, followed by high-frequency (MHz-GHz) experimental results involving two clays of very different specific surface, aqueous electrolytes with varied concentration and valence, and non-aqueous phase liquids NAPLs. Complex permittivity measurements reveal the effect of mixing order, both in the case of electrolytes and when the clay-fluid mixture includes organic liquids. The develop­ ment of double layers is hindered when NAPLs reach clay surfaces before water. Various processes that influence the complex permittivity of geomaterials are identified. Results are relevant to the interpretation of field measurements with ground penetrating radar and time domain reflectometry.

P26. Daily feeding with gamma linolenic acid (GLA) affects early load-related responses in vitro

As geochemical appraisals of mineral regions of commercial prospectivity evolve, the organic matter associated with metal rich ores has attracted greater attention. Petroleum basin and modern seafloor hydrothermal vent studies have suggested that organic matter can have a significant influence on the behaviour of mineralising fluids. There have been many isolated reports of certain organic compositional or morphological (e.g. pyrobitumen) features showing an apparent relationships with hydrothermal fluids or minerals, raising expectations that organic based parameters might be useful to mineral exploration. However, the understanding of organic–inorganic relationships in Earth systems is far from complete. For example, the detailed mechanics of the interaction of organics with hydrothermal fluids over geological time remain largely undefined. Organic geochemistry studies have traditionally involved the measurement and interpretation of the hydrocarbon composition of sedimentary rocks. Here we review the types of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons and metalloporphyrins often detected from organic geochemical investigations in mineral-rich regions. Such molecular data can be particularly diagnostic of biochemical sources and the palaeo-environments at the time mineral associated organic matter was deposited. Sub-surface trends of hydrocarbon alteration may also reflect major biogeochemical processes such as thermal maturity and biodegradation. Organic geochemistry data can also occasionally provide information about the nature (e.g., origin, composition, temperatures) and migration pathways of hydrothermal fluids and can make a contribution to holistic ore genesis models. The well preserved organic matter associated with the economic “Here's Your Chance” Pb–Zn–Ag Mine (Paleoproterozoic Barney Creek Formation, McArthur Basin, Australia) and the transition metal-rich Early Permian Kupferschiefer Formation (Germany–Poland) have attracted significant attention. A more detailed summary of the organic character of these deposits is provided to highlight the contribution organic geochemistry can make to understanding mineralisation processes. Most organic geochemical studies of highly mineralised regions, however, have not adequately addressed the significance of organic matter to mineralisation. A slightly different analytical focus than traditionally used for exploration appraisal of petroleum hydrocarbons may be required to properly evaluate the significance of organic species to the mobilisation, transport and deposition of ore metals. The characterisation and subsequent thermodynamic modeling of organic substances and complexes within metalliferous hydrothermal systems will contribute to a better understanding of the nature and role of organic–inorganic fluids or other affiliated organics in ore systems.

P23. Ultrasound of the os calcis in post menopausal diabetic women

As geochemical appraisals of mineral regions of commercial prospectivity evolve, the organic matter associated with metal rich ores has attracted greater attention. Petroleum basin and modern seafloor hydrothermal vent studies have suggested that organic matter can have a significant influence on the behaviour of mineralising fluids. There have been many isolated reports of certain organic compositional or morphological (e.g. pyrobitumen) features showing an apparent relationships with hydrothermal fluids or minerals, raising expectations that organic based parameters might be useful to mineral exploration. However, the understanding of organic–inorganic relationships in Earth systems is far from complete. For example, the detailed mechanics of the interaction of organics with hydrothermal fluids over geological time remain largely undefined. Organic geochemistry studies have traditionally involved the measurement and interpretation of the hydrocarbon composition of sedimentary rocks. Here we review the types of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons and metalloporphyrins often detected from organic geochemical investigations in mineral-rich regions. Such molecular data can be particularly diagnostic of biochemical sources and the palaeo-environments at the time mineral associated organic matter was deposited. Sub-surface trends of hydrocarbon alteration may also reflect major biogeochemical processes such as thermal maturity and biodegradation. Organic geochemistry data can also occasionally provide information about the nature (e.g., origin, composition, temperatures) and migration pathways of hydrothermal fluids and can make a contribution to holistic ore genesis models. The well preserved organic matter associated with the economic “Here's Your Chance” Pb–Zn–Ag Mine (Paleoproterozoic Barney Creek Formation, McArthur Basin, Australia) and the transition metal-rich Early Permian Kupferschiefer Formation (Germany–Poland) have attracted significant attention. A more detailed summary of the organic character of these deposits is provided to highlight the contribution organic geochemistry can make to understanding mineralisation processes. Most organic geochemical studies of highly mineralised regions, however, have not adequately addressed the significance of organic matter to mineralisation. A slightly different analytical focus than traditionally used for exploration appraisal of petroleum hydrocarbons may be required to properly evaluate the significance of organic species to the mobilisation, transport and deposition of ore metals. The characterisation and subsequent thermodynamic modeling of organic substances and complexes within metalliferous hydrothermal systems will contribute to a better understanding of the nature and role of organic–inorganic fluids or other affiliated organics in ore systems.

Inorganic Grinding Fluids for Titanium Alloys

Abstract Dilute aqueous solutions of certain inorganic salts are very effective in decreasing the rate of grinding-wheel wear and providing decreased surface roughness in the finishing of titanium-alloy surfaces. A systematic study of a large number of salt solutions has revealed that such solutions act by the formation of adsorbed cationic and anionic layers on the aluminum-oxide and titanium surfaces, respectively. These layers prevent the abrasive and chip surfaces from coming close enough together to form strong bonds, which when broken, remove pieces of abrasive from the system. In the choice of a suitable material, ion size and effective charge are found to be two items of major importance. Barium was found to be the most effective element in the periodic table for adsorption on aluminum oxide, while the phosphate radical was the most effective anion investigated for adsorption on a titanium-alloy surface. Long chains attached to each of these ions should increase the effectiveness of the simpler ions considered here. The relation between corrosion inhibition and the screening of titanium surfaces in grinding is discussed.