Naoya Sakoda

Thermodynamic properties of the binary mixture of methane and hydrogen sulfide

Abstract From the interest of the thermodynamic properties for natural gas system, we have developed the thermodynamic property model for the binary mixture of methane and hydrogen sulfide system by the Helmholtz free energy function. Our model represents divergence of the critical curve and vapor–liquid–liquid equilibrium of this system as well as thermodynamic properties with high accuracy. The behavior of critical curve and phase equilibrium is discussed in detail with comparison of that for the mixture of methane and ethane system. Thermodynamic properties of methane and hydrogen sulfide system have been calculated using our model and their behavior as a function of composition is also reported.

Compressed Hydrogen: Thermophysical Properties

This chapter describes PVT properties of compressed normal hydrogen (75 % orthohydrogen and 25 % parahydrogen) up to 100 MPa and its equation of state (EOS) derived from the measurement data of the Burnett method, along with the measurement methods and correlation of viscosity and thermal conductivity for compressed hydrogen.

Theoretical and Experimental Study of a Flexible Wiretype Joule–Thomson Microrefrigerator for Use in Cryosurgery

We have developed a model capable of predicting the performance characteristics of a wiretype Joule–Thomson microcooler intended for use within a cryosurgical probe. Our objective was to be able to predict cold tip temperature, temperature distribution, and cooling power using only inlet gas properties as input variables. To achieve this, the model incorporated gas equations of state to account for changing gas properties due to heat transfer within the heat exchanger and expansion within the capillary. In consideration of inefficiencies, heat in-leak from free convection and radiation was also considered and the use of a 2D axisymmetric finite difference code allowed simulation of axial conduction. To validate simulation results, we have constructed and conducted experiments with two types of microcoolers differing in inner tube material, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and stainless steel. The parameters of the experiment were used in the calculations. CO2 was used as the coolant gas for inlet pressures from 0.5 MPa to 2.0 MPa. Heat load trials of up to 550 mW along with unloaded trials were conducted. The temperature measurements show that the model was successfully able to predict the cold tip temperature to a good degree of accuracy and well represent the temperature distribution. For the all PEEK microcooler in a vacuum using 2.0 MPa inlet pressure, the calculations predicted a temperature drop of 57 K and mass flow rate of 19.5 mg/s compared to measured values of 63 K and 19.4 mg/s, therefore, showing that conventional macroscale correlations can hold well for turbulent microscale flow and heat transfer as long as the validity of the assumptions is verified.

Analytical Optimization of Heat Exchanger Dimensions of a Joule-Thomson Microcooler

In designing a Joule-Thomson microcooler, aiming for a compact size yet maintaining good performance, it is important to find the optimum dimensions of its heat exchanger. We have developed a model capable of predicting the performance characteristics of a wiretype Joule-Thomson microcooler utilizing analytical methods and incorporating changing gas properties via gas equations of state. The model combined the heat exchanger and the JT expander, thus requiring only the inlet gas properties as input. The model results were compared to experimental measurements using C2 H4 and N2 O as coolant gases. Predicted mass flow rate and temperature drop were in good agreement with the measured values. The long capillary length present in the tested microcooler was revealed to maintain performance of the microcooler for longer heat exchanger lengths due to it functioning as a secondary heat exchanger. Using the calculation results it was possible to correctly estimate the optimum heat exchanger length for C2 H4 and for N2 O.Copyright

Theoretical study of a flexible wiretype Joule Thomson micro-refrigerator for use in cryosurgery

We have developed a model capable of predicting the performance characteristics of a wiretype Joule-Thomson microcooler intended for use within a cryosurgical probe. Our objective was to be able to predict evaporator temperature, temperature distribution and cooling power using only inlet gas properties as input variables. To achieve this, the model incorporated changing gas properties due to heat transfer within the heat exchanger and isenthalpic expansion within the capillary. In consideration of inefficiencies, heat in-leak from free convection and radiation was also considered and the use of a 2D axisymmetric finite difference code allowed simulation of axial conduction. Two types of microcoolers differing in inner tube material, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and stainless steel, were tested and simulated. CO2 was used as the coolant gas in the calculations and experimental trials for inlet pressures from 0.5 MPa to 2.0 MPa. Heat load trials of up to 550 mW along with unloaded trials were conducted. Comparisons to experiments show that the model was successfully able to obtain a good degree of accuracy. For the all PEEK microcooler in a vacuum using 2.0 MPa inlet pressure, the calculations predicted a temperature drop of 57 K and mass flow rate of 19.5 mg/s compared to measured values of 63 K and 19.4 mg/s therefore showing that conventional macroscale correlations can hold well for turbulent microscale flow and heat transfer as long as the validity of the assumptions is verified.Copyright