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Pressure drop and heat transfer in turbulent non-Newtonian slurry pipe flow of advanced energy transmission fluids

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6184556

Many thermal systems are characterized by long runs of piping which convey a pumped energy transmission fluid between the sources and sink heat exchangers of the system. Furthermore, these systems often operate with small temperature differences, so it requires that large volumes of fluid must be pumped and large exchangers must be used to satisfy load demands. In order to improve the performance of these thermal systems, Argonne National Laboratory is developing Advanced Energy Transmission Fluids based on the following two concepts: (1) utilization of very low concentrations (20-200 wppm) of non-Newtonian additives to the appropriate carrier liquid to reduce frictional flow losses by 30-80%; and (2) utilization of a pumpable phase change slurry comprised of particulates of a high heat of fusion material conveyed by a liquid to enhance both bulk convective energy transport and heat transfer coefficients at heat exchanger surfaces. One example of candidate particles is cross-linked form-stable high-density polyethylene (X-HDPE).

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6184556
Report Number(s):
CONF-870816-23; ON: DE87011458
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English