The velocity field characteristics of high-viscosity fluids falling film flow down clamped channels

The complexity of falling film flow has been studied in many industrial applications. In this work, the velocity field of high-viscosity fluids falling film flow down clamped channels was investigated numerically and experimentally. The results show that the numerical simulation results are consistent with the experimental results, and the characteristics of the velocity field are related to the fluid properties, operating conditions, and structure of the clamped channels. When the fluid viscosity is greater than or equal to 10 Pa . s, the type of velocity field changes into I shape, U shape, and V shape. While the fluid viscosity drops to 0.89 Pa . s, the viscous force cannot resist the inertial force and gravity, resulting in a cardioid velocity field. By adjusting the structure of the clamped channels and operating conditions, the tension of the liquid film can be changed, and the velocity distribution of the liquid film can be manipulated. Significantly, under the fluctuating curtain flow, the liquid film coalesces and breaks frequently, which enlarges the surface area of the liquid film and strengthens the surface renewal frequency. Hence, this form of falling film flow can be applied to process intensification of high-viscosity materials.