Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer

For 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, computer cooling, and protective textiles. Whatever the application, we approach two-phase flow and heat transfer mechanistically, basing our models, designs, and experiments on fundamental physics to enable application to a range of operating conditions and geometric scales.

Creare has extensive experience with two-phase flow 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. We have developed a unique instrument for measuring void fraction, 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 the development of Mftran™, two-phase system modeling software that allows for reduced and variable gravity. Recent work at Creare includes the development of deployable and freeze-tolerant two-phase spacecraft radiators.

For the oil and 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 for 3.5-and 7 inch pipe diameters. Data from these tests and extensive field tests from operating pipelines provided the basis for our development of a comprehensive set of mechanistic models for pipelines for the American Gas Association. We have also assisted a range of oil and gas production and distribution companies in the design and operation of facilities and equipment such as phase separators.