Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer

Over three decades, Creare has been a leader in the analysis, design, and testing of two-phase systems and components in applications as diverse as ocean mining, chemical plant safety, cryogenic cooling of railguns, nuclear reactor safety, and protective textiles. Whatever the application, we approach two-phase flow and heat transfer mechanistically, basing our models, designs, and experiments on the fundamental physics involved to enable application to differing operating conditions and geometric scales.

Creare has extensive experience in two-phase flows under variable/reduced gravity and microgravity for applications in space, including a total of over 600 “zero-gravity” parabolas in NASA’s KC-135 aircraft. Our work has included the development of a unique instrument for measuring the void fraction of two-phase flows, with extensive KC-135 testing and delivery of space-qualified versions of the instruments to NASA. Analysis efforts at Creare have included the preparation of a comprehensive design manual for two-phase components of thermal management and power systems as well as Mftran®, two-phase system modeling software with capability for reduced and variable gravity. Recent work at Creare includes development of deployable and freeze-tolerant two-phase spacecraft radiators.

For the oil/gas industry, Creare performed tests and developed design methods for pipelines. Tests at Creare recorded flow regime, pressure drop, and liquid holdup to assess the effects of terrain and high gas densities at 3.5 and 7 inch diameters. Data from these tests and a Creare databank of field test data from operating pipelines provided the basis for our development of a comprehensive set of mechanistic models for gas/oil pipelines for the American Gas Association. We have also assisted a range of oil/gas production and distribution companies in design and operation of facilities and equipment such as phase separators.