Simulation of Evolution Mechanism of Dynamic Interface of Aqueous Foam in Narrow Space Base on Level Set Method

Publication date: Available online 21 April 2019Source: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering AspectsAuthor(s): Fei Wang, Dongxing Du, Hailong Chen, Chao ZhangAbstractThe properties of foam fluid are substantially determined by its interfacial dynamics changes during foam transport. In this research, a foam flow simulation model based on the level set method and the N-S equation with surface tension term is established to simulate the dynamic interface evolution mechanism of group foam and individual foam from various aspects such as drainage process and foam migration in porous media, coalescence and Jamin effect. The results show that the foam life decreases linearly with the logarithm of the surface tension and enhances linearly with the liquid viscosity. For foam transport in porous media, both flowing foam and trapped foam exist, and the pressure fluctuates at a certain pressure value and the best foam structure is achieved at the optimum conditions with the optimum values of gas-liquid ratio, surface tension, and porosity being 1:1˜3:2, 0.1˜0.3, and 44.4%, respectively. Besides, the temporary blocking effect of foam has been verified. During the foam coalescence, foam gradually evolves towards minimum interfacial energy with oscillating and gradually decreasing foam volume. During the process of the foam passing through the throat, the maximum pressure occurs when the front end of the foam reaches the narrowest point, and the minimum pressure occurs...

Source: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects - April 22, 2019 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research