Theoretical and experimental investigation of hydrodynamics and heat and mass transfer in zero gravity distillation by application of tailored capillary structures

零重力蒸馏是一种实践过程模块化思想的分离过程，允许蒸馏过程在微观尺度上实现。在这个过程中，流体的流动是由毛细力驱动的，这带来了几个优点。以往的研究表明，零重力蒸馏装置与高得多的传统精馏塔具有相似的分离性能。然而，由于缺乏设计基础，阻碍了零重力蒸馏技术的进一步发展。这是由于对零重力蒸馏的基本现象和子过程还没有充分了解所致。提出的项目旨在研究重力蒸馏装置结构元件中发生的基本现象以及基于几何的设计和优化方法的发展。为了实现这些目标，将采用多尺度建模和高分辨率实验。将选择沟槽结构和毛细多孔结构作为模型毛细结构。在理论和数值方面，将发展在单槽尺度和孔尺度上描述零重力蒸馏相关现象和子过程的方法。所开发的模型将被整合到一个描述零重力蒸馏的全球模型中，该模型将用于预测不同毛管结构对分离效率的影响。在实验部分，输运过程将在具有可交换毛细管结构的实验室规模装置中进行研究。利用热电偶测量蒸发器、冷凝器和分离区的温度分布。气相的组成以及底部和馏分产品将使用FTIR方法来确定。对于具有大孔隙/沟槽的毛细管结构，将可视化结构内的液体分布。该项目的结果将用于优化毛细管结构的几何形状和工艺参数。

Zero gravity distillation is a separation process putting into practice the idea of process modularization and allowing the implementation of distillation process on micro scale. In this process, the fluid flow is driven by capillary forces, and this brings about several advantages. The previous investigations have shown that zero gravity distillation units have a similar separation performance as much higher conventional distillation columns. However, the further technology development in the field of zero gravity distillation is retarded due to the lack of design fundamentals. This is caused by the fact that the basic phenomena and subprocesses of zero gravity distillation are not yet sufficiently understood.The proposed project aims at the investigation of basic phenomena occurring in structural elements of the gravity distillation units as well as at the development of geometry-based design and optimization methods. To achieve these aims, multiscale modeling and high resolution experiments will be applied. As model capillary structures groove structures and capillary-porous structures will be chosen.In the theoretical and numerical part, the methods for the description of phenomena and subprocesses related to zero gravity distillation on single groove scale and on pore scale will be developed. The developed models will be integrated in a global model for the description of zero gravity distillation, which will be used to predict the effect of different capillary structures on separation efficiency.In experimental part, the transport processes will be studied in a laboratory-scale setup with exchangeable capillary structures. The temperature distribution in evaporator, condenser and in the separation area will be measured using thermocouples. The composition of the gas phase as well as of the bottom and distillate products will be determined using the FTIR method. For the capillary structures with large pores/grooves, the liquid distribution within the structure will be visualized.The results of the project will be used to optimize the geometry of capillary structures and the process parameters.