Dynamics of Evolving Fluid Interfaces − DEFI Gathering Physico-Chemical and Flow Properties
1
IFP Energies nouvelles, Rond-point de l'échangeur de Solaize,
BP 3,
69360
Solaize - France
2
IFP Energies nouvelles,
1-4 avenue de Bois Préau,
92852
Rueil-Malmaison Cedex - France
* Corresponding author e-mail: frederic.augier@ifpenergiesnouvelles.fr
Received:
30
November
2017
Accepted:
30
November
2017
Designing industrial processes involving several fluid phases (gas or liquid) can involve several complex physic-chemical issues due to the interfacial or bulk properties of the fluids: non-Newtonian fluids, presence of surfactants, contaminants, etc. These properties govern phenomena such as breakage/coalescence of bubbles or droplets, emulsion generation, foaming and material transfer through often deformable interfaces. Understanding and modeling these simultaneous mechanisms are major challenges that are crucial for predicting their impact on the performance of subsequent multiphase processes and developing the most effective technological solutions.
The aim of the Dynamics of Evolving Fluid Interfaces − DEFI event, held at IFPEN Solaize from 12 to 13 October 2016, was to address the coupling of the different mechanisms at work in multiphase industrial flows (hydrodynamics, transfer(s), physical chemistry, etc.), bringing together the various disciplines concerned in order to improve process development tools and methods. Different approaches (experimental, numerical) and different scales (micro/meso/macro) were examined. This international event also aimed to promote discussion between participants from a variety of environments (academic and industrial), addressing applications as diverse as chemical processes, water treatment, Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), biotechnologies, energy production, plastic processing, food production and cosmetics.
In this special issue of the OGST journal, several scientific articles highlight the need to bridge the gap between various scientific research disciplines, such as chemical engineering, fluid mechanics and physical chemistry. In recent decades, research in these areas has reached the point where boundaries have to be pushed back in order to innovate and develop technologies capable of handling multiphase flows in a large variety of industrial fields. The research studies referenced below cover a broad variety of applications, illustrating the cross-cutting nature of the themes addressed during the DEFI Rencontre Scientifique event. Bubbly flows were discussed in depth at the event, as was the stability of foams and micro/macro bubbles, of interest to the fields of both fluid mechanics and physical chemistry [1–3]. As reported by a variety of studies, liquid-liquid dispersion has applications in a number of fields, ranging from the accurate measurement of drop size [4]to the study of mass transfers between phases [5, 6]. Rheology issues were widely discussed throughout the conference [7], as was the development of new interfacial rheologytechniques [8]. Finally, multiphase flow modeling is obviously another major issue for the development of innovative techniques [7, 9].
All these topics were addressed during the event, via oral papers and keynote lectures, prompting productive discussions and promising ideas for potential collaboration between researchers.
References
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© F. Augier et al., published by IFP Energies nouvelles, 2018
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