A Joule-Thomson Process of a Vapor with Condensation and Evaporation Through Anodic Alumina Membranes
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In a Joule-Thomson process, a vapor becomes colder. If the vapor is sufficiently close to saturation, it condenses, liquid flows through part of the porous anodic alumina membrane, and the liquid evaporates within the membrane. Vapor having a smaller pressure and smaller temperature than the vapor at the upstream side leaves the membrane. The Joule-Thomson effect needs to be considered if the temperature difference is appreciable, i.e., the pressure difference and hence the flow resistance of the membrane is large, and the membrane pore size is small. Experimental data for the flow of isobutane and of freon 142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoro-ethane) through anodic alumina membranes with pore sizes between 18 nm and 60 nm is presented. The data is compared to a theoretical description. The heat transfer to the downstream side of the membrane can have a significant influence on the mass flow rate through the membrane.