A lab-on-chip approach for direct visualization of gas/water two phase flow behavior in nano-scale channels is presented. The micro/nano fluidic chip was designed and fabricated, a series of experiments of two phase flow in nano-scale channels were conducted. Specifically, high purity nitrogen gas was served as gas phase and ultra-pure lab reagent water with 10 �g/L fluorescence dye was used as liquid phase. Images were captured by using epi-fluorescence microscopy method. The fluids velocities and pressure drop in the nano-scale channels were recorded and flow patterns were characterized. The effects of introduction pressure and superficial flow rate on the flow pattern were also investigated. Three different flow patterns, single, annular, and stratified flow were observed and their special features are described. Flow regime map was summarized and compared with results in conventional-size channels. This study was financially supported by Research Partnership to Secure Energy for America (RPSEA).

Optical imaging of gas/water two phase flow behavior in nanochannels using single molecule imaging system

245th National Meeting (2013)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.