Liquid Column Research Articles

Evaporation of binary liquids from a capillary tube

Evaporation of multi-component liquid mixtures in confined geometries, such as capillaries, is crucial in applications such as microfluidics, two-phase cooling devices and inkjet printing. Predicting the behaviour of such systems becomes challenging because evaporation triggers complex spatio-temporal changes in the composition of the mixture. These changes in composition, in turn, affect evaporation. In the present work, we study the evaporation of aqueous glycerol solutions contained as a liquid column in a capillary tube. Experiments and direct numerical simulations show three evaporation regimes characterised by different temporal evolutions of the normalised mass transfer rate (or Sherwood number $Sh$ ), namely $Sh (\tilde{t} ) = 1$ , $Sh \sim 1/\sqrt {\tilde{t} }$ and $Sh \sim \exp (-\tilde{t} )$ , where $\tilde {t}$ is a normalised time. We present a simplistic analytical model that shows that the evaporation dynamics can be expressed by the classical relation $Sh = \exp ( \tilde{t} )\,\mathrm {erfc} ( \sqrt {\tilde{t} })$ . For small and medium $\tilde{t}$ , this expression results in the first and second of the three observed scaling regimes, respectively. This analytical model is formulated in the limit of pure diffusion and when the penetration depth $\delta (t)$ of the diffusion front is much smaller than the length $L(t)$ of the liquid column. When $\delta \approx L$ , finite-length effects lead to $Sh \sim \exp (-\tilde{t} )$ , i.e. the third regime. Finally, we extend our analytical model to incorporate the effect of advection and determine the conditions under which this effect is important. Our results provide fundamental insights into the physics of selective evaporation from a multi-component liquid column.

Study on heat transfer enhancement of spray cooling with bionic vein channel structured surface

Inspired by the fluid transportation capabilities of leaf vein structures in nature, a novel approach is proposed to enhance spray cooling heat transfer performance through improving liquid film distribution. In this study, a leaf vein channel structure was laser etched onto a heat exchange surface and a non-contact open spray cooling test platform based on the principle of induction hea ting was established. The spray cooling heat transfer performance of the enhanced surfaces with identical leaf vein channel shapes but varying channel depths was investigated under different flow rates. The results indicate that, across all tested flow rate conditions, the spray cooling heat transfer performance of the leaf vein channel surpasses that of the smooth surface. Notably, within the two-phase region, an observed 50 % increase in heat flux density highlights significant enhancement effects provided by the leaf vein channels. Furthermore, research findings suggest that for leaf vein channel depths <0.5 mm, greater depth corresponds to improved enhanced heat transfer effects during spray cooling processes. Utilizing high-speed camera technology throughout our investigation allowed us to capture distinct liquid motion phenom ena known as “liquid columns” occurring at the center of each leaf vein channel. These liquid columns exhibit changes in shape and motion mode corresponding to variations in surface temperature.

Coalescence of non-spherical drops with a liquid surface

We employ three-dimensional numerical simulations to explore the impact dynamics of non-spherical drops in a deep liquid pool by varying the aspect ratios (Ar) and Weber numbers (We). We observe that when a non-spherical drop is gently placed on a liquid pool, it exhibits a partial coalescence phenomenon and the emergence of a daughter droplet for Ar>0.67. In contrast to the prolate (Ar<1) and spherical drops (Ar=1), an oblate (Ar>1) drop with a high aspect ratio encapsulates air in a ring-like bubble within the pool and emerges a liquid column that undergoes Rayleigh–Plateau capillary instability, leading to the formation of two daughter droplets with complex shapes. When the parent drop is impacted with finite velocity, our observations indicate that increasing the Weber number leads to elevated crater heights on the free surface for all aspect ratios. A prolate drop produces a less pronounced wave swell and exhibits a prolonged impact duration owing to its negligible impact area. Conversely, an oblate drop generates a much wider wave swell than spherical and prolate drops. We analyze the relationship between rim formation dynamics and the kinetic and surface energies of the system. Finally, we establish an analogy by comparing the dynamics of a freely falling non-spherical drop, undergoing topological oscillations during its descent from a height, with the impact dynamics of parent drops of various shapes striking the liquid surface with an equivalent velocity. Our investigation involving non-spherical drops contrasts the extensive studies conducted by various researchers on the impact of a parent spherical drop just above the free surface of a liquid pool.

Quantification of Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Trimethylamine in Fish Oils for Human Consumption.

Supplementing fish oil is one of the strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death around the world. Contradictorily, fish oil may also contain trimethylamine-N-oxide, a recently emerged risk factor for cardiovascular disease, as well as one of its precursors, trimethylamine. A method suitable for routine quantification of trimethylamine-N-oxide and trimethylamine in fish oil with a quick and easy liquid extraction without derivatization has been developed. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection was employed along with a zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column and a gradient elution with eluents containing 50 mmol/L of ammonium formate. An internal standard (triethylamine) was used for quantification by mass spectrometry with an external calibration. The assay proved high linearity in the ranges of 10 to 100 ng/mL and 100 to 1000 ng/mL for trimethylamine-N-oxide and trimethylamine, respectively. The lowest limit of quantification was determined to be 100 µg/kg for trimethylamine and 10 µg/kg for trimethylamine-N-oxide, with the limit of detection at 5 µg/kg and 0.25 µg/kg, respectively. Accuracy ranged from 106-119%. Precision was below 7% the relative standard deviation for both analytes. The method was successfully applied for the determination of trimethylamine-N-oxide and trimethylamine contents in nine commercially available liquid fish oils and three commercially available fish oil capsules, showing that trimethylamine and trimethylamine-N-oxide are not present in highly refined fish oils.

ATRIAL FIBRILATION IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE PATIENTS: PLATELETS CHARACTERISTICS AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY INDEXES

The aim: To reveal the connections between platelets morphological and biochemical characteristics and echocardiography (TTE) indexes in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and atrial fibrillation (AF).&#x0D; Materials and methods: 300 patients were divided into 3 groups: first (CAD) – 149 patients with CAD but without arrhythmias, second (CAD+AF) – 124 patients with CAD and AF paroxysm and control group – 27 patients without CAD and arrhythmias. TTE was done by ALOKA SSD-5000. Platelets count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelets distribution width (PDW) and platelet-to-leucocyte ratio (PLR) was obtained by common blood count. Platelets amino acids spectrum was detected by method of ion exchange liquid column chromatography.&#x0D; Results: II group patients had significantly lower PC (12.20%) and higher MPV (9.30%) and PLR (41.12%) then in I group, P&lt;0.05. II group patients had significantly higher levels of platelets isoleucine (10.73%), leucine (12.63%) and lower threonine (23.05%), serine (5.06%), glycine (32.21%), valine (30.83%) levels then in I group, P&lt;0.05. II group patients had significantly higher levels of left atrium diameter (10.03%), left atrium volume (15.40%) and left atrium volume index (11.48%) then in I group, P &lt;0.05. Left atrium volume and left atrium volume index were corelated with PC (r=-0.315 and r=-0.444 consequently), MPV (r=0.327 and r=0.331 consequently), PLR (r=0.313 and r=0.303 consequently) and platelets serine (r=-0.302 and r=-0.310 consequently), alanine (r=-0.306 and r=-0.355 consequently) and leucine (r=0.346 and r=0.311 consequently), P&lt;0.05. Left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass index were corelated with MPV (r=0.308 and r=0.301 consequently), PLR (r=0.307 and r=0.305 consequently) and platelets arginine (r=0.366 and r=0.305 consequently), threonine (r=-0.474 and r=-0.383 consequently), serine (r=-0.387 and r=-0.361 consequently), alanine (r=-0.342 and r=-0.326 consequently), isoleucine (r=0.355 and r=0.328 consequently) and tyrosine (r=0.307 and r=0.321 consequently), P&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusions: Left atrium size and left ventricular mass are connected with MPV, PLR and platelets amino acids content: serine, threonine, alanine, leucine, isoleucine and tyrosine levels.

Effects of confinement geometry on shape transition and interfacial behavior of nanodroplets in externally applied electric field

The electric field-induced shape transition of a nanodroplet confined in a silicon nanogroove with variable structure was investigated through molecular dynamics simulations. Our work provides insight into the relationship between the shape transition and the molecular interaction. We demonstrated that the geometric structure of the groove significantly influences the responsive behaviors of the droplet to the electric field. The simulations elucidate increasing the tilt angle of the groove reduces the critical field strength for the shape transition of the droplet under parallel electric field. Above the critical field, the droplet detaches from the groove and forms a liquid bridge across the groove, leading to weakened interfacial interactions. The detachment process of the droplet from the rectangular groove, which originates from the spreading of water molecules on perpendicular side walls, is different from the droplet initially confined in the groove with tilt angle higher than 90°. Under the perpendicular electric field, the droplet undergoes various shape transitions depending on the groove structure. In particular, the droplet in the groove with a moderate opening forms two asymmetrical liquid columns. The retraction behavior of the droplet in the groove with the small opening sheds light on the competition between interfacial interactions. The shape transition of droplets in the electric field due to the change of confinement nanostructures, such as liquid bridge, asymmetrical extension, branching and merging, is helpful to enrich the understanding of electrowetting and confinement dynamics of the droplets.

Bioaerosol Emission from Vortex Liquids Contaminated with Escherichia coli Bacteria

Vortex fluids are often present in natural and artificial aquatic environments and are also widely used in industrial water treatment and product manufacturing processes. Vortex processes have been studied quite extensively; however, little attention has been paid to the potential release of biological aerosols to the ambient air in common situations involving microbial-contaminated vortex liquids. The model organism was Escherichia coli, a common Gram-negative coliform bacterium widely present in the aquatic and air environments. This study examines the influence of various parameters, including liquid rotation speed, column height, temperature, surface tension and vessel size, on the rate of bioaerosol formation. A commonly used single-stage bioaerosol impactor was employed to collect microbial aerosols at different process parameters under controlled laboratory conditions. The main results show that bioaerosol production increases markedly with increasing rotation speed, reaching a maximum rate at the highest value used in this project (1300 rpm). The tallness of the liquid column is strongly responsible for the bioaerosol production efficiency reaching a difference of almost one order of magnitude along the range between 45 mm (highest bioaerosol release) and 110 mm used in this research. Fluid temperature and surface tension are also very influential parameters responsible for bioaerosol generation during fluid vortex motion; corresponding results are discussed in this manuscript.

The breakup and instability structures of liquid jets in subsonic crossflows

The breakup of water and Jet A fuel jets injected transverse into elevated temperature (up to 425 °C), combustion pre-heated, subsonic crossflows was investigated by internally fluorescing the liquid jet column. The fluorescent dye seeded test liquids were illuminated by a pulsed laser light that was transmitted within the injector using a quartz rod light-guide. High-resolution images isolating the intact liquid column from light scattered by the surrounding dense spray facilitated precise measurement of the liquid column breakup position and the size and distribution of windward column instability waves. The injector geometry consisted of a 1 mm circular orifice with an orifice length of 20 mm with a tapered inlet. Liquid jet to gaseous crossflow momentum flux ratios were varied from 6 to 266 and the gas Weber number was varied from 10.7 to 228. Empirical correlations were derived for the liquid column breakup coordinates and breakup time in addition to the average and local maximum instability wavelength and amplitude on the liquid column windward surface. The reported correlations provided key insight into atomization physics and aim to support the quantitative validation of high-fidelity numerical simulations of the liquid jet in subsonic crossflow.

High-Throughput Capillary Liquid Chromatography Using a Droplet Injection and Application to Reaction Screening.

The cycle time of a standard liquid chromatography (LC) system is the sum of the time for the chromatographic run and the autosampler injection sequence. Although LC separation times in the 1-10 s range have been demonstrated, injection sequences are commonly >15 s, limiting throughput possible with LC separations. Further, such separations are performed on relatively large bore columns requiring flow rates of ≥5 mL/min, thus generating large volumes of mobile phase waste when used for large scale screening and increasing the difficulty in interfacing to mass spectrometry. Here, a droplet injector system was established that replaces the autosampler with a four-port, two-position valve equipped with a 20 nL internal loop interfaced to a syringe pump and a three-axis positioner to withdraw sample droplets from a well plate. In the system, sample and immiscible fluid are pulled alternately from a well plate into a capillary and then through the injection valve. The valve is actuated when sample fills the loop to allow sequential injection of samples at high throughput. Capillary LC columns with 300 μm inner diameter were used to reduce the consumption of mobile phase and sample. The system achieved 96 separations of 20 nL droplet samples containing 3 components in as little as 8.1 min with 5-s cycle time. This system was coupled to a mass spectrometer through an electrospray ionization source for high-throughput chemical reaction screening.

Analysis of Coumarin in Tobacco, Smokeless Tobacco Products, and Electronic Cigarette Liquids by Isotope Dilution LC–MS/MS

This article describes a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the analysis of coumarin in various tobacco matrices and electronic cigarette (E-cig) liquids, and highlights the importance of evaluating different MS/MS transitions of an analyte in complex sample matrices to overcome matrix effects. Matrix interfering components were separated from analyte using a C18 ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) column with a larger inner diameter (3.0 mm, or 4.6 mm). Matrix suppressions on analyte responses were corrected by isotope dilution. Four different MS/MS transitions of coumarin were studied in each sample matrix to select a suitable MS/MS transition for analyte quantification based on matrix effects on each MS/MS transition. The method was validated using different tobacco matrices and E-cig liquids.

The Gradient Delay Volume, Part III: Practice – Effects on Throughput

The concept of gradient delay volume (GDV) in liquid chromatography (LC) poses challenges for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The GDV, which affects the arrival time of mobile phase composition changes at the column inlet, can have a significant impact on method throughput, influencing the time required for mobile phase changes at both the beginning and end of the LC method. Different pump designs and column characteristics affect efficient use of the available analysis time, as well as overall throughput. Notably, achieving repeatable equilibration, rather than full equilibration of LC columns following mobile phase gradients, is often sufficient for many LC applications, which can also be leveraged to increase method throughput.

Dynamics of cavitation bubbles in viscous liquids in a tube during a transient process

We experimentally, numerically, and theoretically investigate the dynamics of cavitation bubbles in viscous liquids in a tube during a transient process. In experiments, cavitation bubbles are generated by a modified tube-arrest setup, and the bubble evolution is captured with high-speed imaging. Numerical simulations using OpenFOAM are employed to validate our quasi-one-dimensional theoretical model, which effectively characterizes the bubble dynamics. We find that cavitation onset is minimally affected by the liquid viscosity. However, once cavitation occurs, various aspects of bubble dynamics, such as the maximum bubble length, bubble lifetime, collapse time, and collapse speed, are closely related to the liquid viscosity. We further establish that normalized bubble dynamics are solely determined by the combination of the Reynolds number and the Euler number. Moreover, we also propose a new dimensionless number, Ca2, to predict the maximum bubble length, a critical factor in determining the occurrence of liquid column separation.

High molecular compounds of Azeri oil field

The article is devoted to the results of the study of the composition of the vacuum residue of oil from the Azeri field, which is produced in Azerbaijan sector from Caspian sea a depth of 3000–4000 m. The oil is light, low-sulfur, paraffinic (5.1 % solid paraffins), contains a small amount of heteroatoms, without asphaltenes. The vacuum residue (&gt;450 oC) was separated into naphthene-paraffin, aromatic and resin components with the method of column liquid eluent-adsorption chromatography. The structural group composition of individual groups was studied using IR and PMR spectroscopy. As a result, it was found that even concentrates of aromatic hydrocarbons and resins isolated from the residue (&gt;450 oC) are enriched with naphthenic structures, the most valuable compounds that are part of oils and fuels, providing them with high performance properties.

Влияние гидроабразивного износа форсунок на производительность струйного насоса

A finite-elemental model of a jet pump was created. The pump consisted of a case, in which there were eight jets, situated in a circle, symmetrically relative to the circle axis, on the equal distance of each other around the outlet of a pipeline, along which the pulp was pumped. The basic element size of the net in creating the model amounts to 50 mm, whereas the net elements size was diminished in the region of jets. The numerical experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the influence of the jets hydroabrasive wear parameters on the pump output. In conducting the computations, the assumptions were as follows: the liquid columns in the suction and force-feed pipelines were neglected; there was pure water modelled in the suction pipeline instead of the pulp taking into account that the concentration of the sand in the pulp does not exceed 10% by volume. The computations were realized in the stationary formulation of the problem. As basic parameters of the hydroabrasive wear of the jets the following were chosen: the angle of the skew of the jet forward end; a jet shortening – the displacement of the jet forward end center along the jet axis. As a result of the numerical experiment the body of data was obtained. Using the least squares method to process the data, the second order model was created, describing the dependence of the pump output on the jets wear parameters. The analysis of the model showed that the change of the angle of the forward end skew of the jets has a weak influence on the output of the pump, whereas the shortening of the jets by each millimeter causes the decrease of 1% to the nominal value of the pump output.

Unravelling the reason for different binding behaviors exhibited by antibody aggregates towards preparative and analytical Protein A columns

We previously showed that the root cause of low Protein A step yield observed for certain antibodies/Fc-fusions is the presence of non-binding aggregates in cell culture harvest. A pre-assumption for the above conclusion is that the aggregates, while do not bind to the preparative Protein A column, can bind to the analytical Protein A-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column used for titer measurement. In the current work, using materials from a previous case with the low yield issue, we confirmed that non-binding aggregates in preparative Protein A flow-through can indeed bind to the analytical Protein A column. In addition, we showed that this discrepancy is mainly due to the different loading densities applied under these two circumstances. We also demonstrated that aggregate bound to the analytical Protein A column slightly stronger than the monomer, as it exhibited a longer retention time. In summary, the current study not only confirmed that non-binding aggregates detected in the preparative Protein A flow-through bind to the Protein A-HPLC column and contribute to the measured titer of culture harvest but also unravelled the reason for different binding behaviors exhibited by antibody aggregates towards preparative and analytical Protein A columns.

Gas–liquid coaxial atomization with swirl in high-pressure environments

We present recent experimental results on the dynamics of atomization of a liquid column by a coaxial turbulent gas jet, under varying air angular momentum (swirl) conditions and densities. We compare between atomization under atmospheric conditions and in a pressurized environment where the atomizing and ambient air density is 5 times the atmospheric level. For both conditions, the parameter space includes a gas-to-liquid momentum ratio in the range of M=25−56 and swirl ratios of SR=0−1. High-speed shadowgraphy images in the spray near-field are used to quantify the spatial and temporal evolution of the liquid–gas interface. In the mid-field, Phase Doppler Interferometry, collected radially across the spray, quantify droplet size, velocity, and number density distributions. At high pressure and with increasing M, we observe a decrease in spray angle when SR=0 but a spray angle increase when SR>0.5 (critical swirl). We reconcile these observations with the crown de-wetting mechanism, first observed in X-ray shadowgraphs of the spray. Crown de-wetting depends on gas inertia relative to the liquid, which increases linearly with atomization environment pressure, leading to this switch in behavior. This mechanism also explains the modified droplet radial distribution in the mid-field, with critical transition from concave to convex-shaped trends in the mean droplet size profile. Finally, we reconstruct the full spray droplet population from radial measurements, showing that swirl not only modifies the transport of droplets in the spray cross-section, but also enhances break-up and reduces the Sauter Mean Diameter globally, for all momentum ratios and pressure conditions tested.

High-fidelity numerical simulations in Eulerian/Lagrangian framework for liquid fuel jets in crossflow with atomization and evaporation: Effect of aerodynamic Weber number

The effect of the aerodynamic Weber number Weg on the atomization-evaporation process of liquid fuel jets in crossflow is investigated by detailed numerical simulations accounting for evaporation from both the gas–liquid interface and dispersed particles in the Eulerian/Lagrangian framework. The accuracy of the evaporation model on the gas–liquid interface treated in the Eulerian manner is verified by applying two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulations to the evaporation of a single droplet and comparing the computational results with the theoretical solution and psychrometric data. The results show that the present detailed numerical simulations reasonably reproduce the primary and secondary atomization characteristics of the liquid jets in crossflow under different breakup modes. Additionally, considering both evaporations from the Eulerian gas–liquid interface and Lagrangian dispersed particles is essential for precisely predicting the fuel mixing with the oxidizer and the ignition. As Weg increases, the Sauter mean diameter (SMD) of generated fuel droplets decreases in the whole region. Furthermore, as Weg increases, the tendency that the fuel vapor mass fraction is high in the upstream region and decreases downstream becomes more evident. However, the temperature behind the liquid column do not decrease despite the increasing heat loss due to evaporation. These behaviors can be well explained in terms of the differences in the atomization, evaporation, and heat transfer between the liquid jet and hot air crossflow against Weg.

Resistance bias estimation of a liquid column in a cylindrical conductivity cell with lateral liquid supply

The article shows a physical model of a cylindrical two-electrode conductivity cell with inlet and outlet holes for filling located perpendicular to the cell axis. Based on the finite element method (FEM), the non-uniformity of the current density distribution inside the cell was determined. For a range of geometrical parameters of the cell, the resistance biases of the liquid column with respect to the idealized model—a cell with a uniform current density distribution (without holes) are calculated. A mathematical expression is given that describes calculating the electrolytic conductivity value using the geometrical parameters of a conductivity cell, taking into account the field distortion caused by holes for filling. It has also been found that at the ratio of the cell diameter to the hole diameter D/d ≥ 5, the entire field distortion inside the cell is provided by a liquid column in the holes with a length of only (h ≤ d) mm. Theoretical estimates and mathematical models covered in this article were used to create the primary differential conductivity cell. Structurally, such a cell consists of two tubes of the same diameter but of different lengths, at the edges of which platinized electrodes are placed.

Revisiting column selectivity choices in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–Using multidimensional analytical Design Spaces to identify column equivalency

Current guides and column selection system (CSS) platforms can provide some helpful insights with regard to the selection of alternative phases. Their practical reliability however, can also turn out to be questionable, especially considering the lack of detailed specifics, such as a clear definition of points of equivalence—appropriate running conditions under which the given analytical mixture can be satisfactorily resolved on various stationary phases. In this context, the use of multivariate modeling tools can be highly beneficial. These tools, when applied systematically, are ideal for uniquely characterizing complex LC-separation systems, a fact supported by numerous peer-reviewed papers.Revisiting our earlier work [1] and the applied systematic workflow [2], we used a Design Space modeling software (DryLab), with the main focus on building and comparing 3-dimensional separation models of amlodipine and its related impurities to identify shared method conditions under which columns are conveniently interchangeable. Our study comprised 5, C18-modified ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) columns in total, in some cases with surprising results. We identified several equivalences between the Design Spaces (DSs) of markedly different columns. Conversely, there were cases where, despite the predicted similarities in column data, the modeled DSs demonstrated clear differences between the selected stationary phases.

Applicability evaluation of plunger lift technology in shale gas wells

The accumulation of liquid in gas wells is a common problem in the later stages of shale gas production. The plunger lift is currently one of the most economically effective methods for removing accumulated liquid in gas wells, but its applicability is not yet clear. This article analyzes the production characteristics of gas wells on-site and summarizes the key indicators for evaluating the plunger lift technology, including casing pressure changes, production changes, liquid column plunger height, tubing-casing pressure differential changes, and differential size of pressure relief. Combined with numerical simulation methods, a complete set of evaluation systems for judging, classifying, and evaluating the effectiveness of plunger lift technology is established, and an evaluation method for the applicability of plunger lift technology is proposed. Taking well Ning 216-H4 as an example, a comprehensive evaluation is made on whether the gas well is suitable for plunger lift based on the height of the liquid column above the plunger, the production effect under pressure, and the overall shut-in time. This method has important guiding significance for the further promotion and application of plunger lift technology in deep wells, directional wells, and horizontal wells to achieve efficient development of natural gas.