FLOW SYSTEM FOR AVOIDING PARTICLE AGGLOMERATION

Problem:

Nanofluids are considered to be the next-generation heat transfer media as they offer exciting new possibilities to enhance heat transfer performance compared to conventional fluids. Such fluids such as water, ethylene glycol and oils have limited thermal properties in comparison to new generation nanofluids.

Technology:

The present invention proposes a flow system for avoiding particle agglomeration in nanofluids, comprising a flow restrictive element which in use provides sudden expansion mechanism where cavitation takes place in the fluid upon exiting the flow restrictive element. The proposed system and related method offers interesting practical applications in thermal management, refrigeration, drug delivery, and heat sink design of the nanofluids while maintaining their stability. This system and method do not involve any use of extensive surfactants or surface modifiers, which might alter thermophysical properties of nanofluids, adversely influencing their performance and biocompatibility, and limit their effectiveness. Integration of flow restrictive elements and heaters could be accomplished by standard microfabrication tools and techniques and standards fittings. The new method and system use the forces of nature such as sudden expansion and additional heat transfer via plasmonic near-field radiation transfer, into effect.

Advantages:

•Economical since no expensive chemicals are included 

•More effective

•High Performance

•Biocompatible

Related Publications:

N.A.

TRL 3