Two-phase flow phenomena assessment in minichannels for compact heat exchangers using image analysis methods

• Analysis of the two-phase flow structure in minichannel.
• Innovative use of stereology methods and hi-speed photography.
• Application of stereological parameters to flow monitoring.

The paper describes a method of two-phase flow structure evaluation for minichannels. The two-phase flow structure appears in gas–liquid mixture. The research is based on innovative approach, with the use of stereology methods. Evaluation of the flow structure is made by image analysis. The images are obtained with high-speed visualization technique. The applied stereological analysis is based on the linear methods – the random secants method and directed secants method. Development of mini heat exchangers requires knowledge of the two-phase flow phenomena. The major result of conducted research is that for each flow structure there is a set of stereological parameters, enabling the quantitative estimation of the two-phase flow. It has been found that the interrelation of stereological parameters, during the change of the flow structure, can be used for controlling the operating conditions. The basic conclusion is that the knowledge about the character of the changes taking place in the flow structure may be used for constant process adjustment for various two-phase gas–liquid or gas–solid systems.