PRESSURE DROPS OF NON-NEWTONIAN PURELY VISCOUS FLUID FLOW THROUGH SYNTHETIC FOAMS

Abstract

This work aims at giving a first insight of non-Newtonian fluid flow through synthetic foams.

At first, a review of experimental pressure drops measured with Newtonian fluids through various foams is proposed as well as a recall of a capillary-type flow model used to determine structural parameters. In this particular case of Newtonian fluid flow, a single equation is shown to correlate experimental data whatever the grade of the foam. Results of an image analysis study are also given; they allow to give a physical sense to the value of the equivalent diameter of pore given by the flow model.

In a second part, results of pressure drops measured with a non-Newtonian fluid are reported. A model allowing the determination of the pressure drops for non-Newtonian purely viscous fluid flow through packed beds of particles, based on the same capillary representation of porous media, is tested in the case of fluid flow through synthetic foams. The model predictions are acceptable for foams of high grades, but a discrepancy is observed for foams of low grades. An attempt is made to explain the underevaluation of pressure drops with the aid of results of image analysis.

Keywords:

• Pressure gradients
• reticulated media
• non-Newtonian fluids
• synthetic foams
• capillary representation
• image analysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

A. MONTILLET

Authors for correspondence.

J. COMITI

Authors for correspondence.