This paper presents the results of an experimental study and
mathematical modeling of the effect of dynamic instabilities on the condensation phase transformation of the refrigerants homogeneous R134a and its replacement in the form of isomers R1234yf and R1234ze and R404A or R507 and R448A in pipe mini-channels. In the case of homogeneous chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), it is the 1234 isomers that are envisioned as substitutes for the withdrawn ones with high ozone depletion potential and global warming potential. For zeotropic and azeotropic mixtures, for example, these are R507 or R448A. The paper presents a dimensional analysis procedure based on the Buckingham Π theorem to develop a regression velocity model of pressure dynamic instabilities. The experimental part of the work was carried out with the use of tubular mini-channels with internal diameter 1.40–3.3 mm.

An experimental study was conducted in order to investigate two-phase flow regimes and fully developed pressure drop in a mini-size, horizontal rectangular channel. The test section was machined in the form of an impacting tee junction in an acrylic block (in order to facilitate visualization) with a rectangular cross-section of 1.87-mm height on 20-mm width on the inlet and outlet sides. Pressure drop measurement and flow regime identification were performed on all three sides of the junction. Air-water mixtures at 200 kPa (abs) and room temperature were used as the test fluids. Four flow regimes were identified visually: bubbly, plug, churn, and annular over the ranges of gas and liquid superficial velocities of 0.04 ≤ JG ≤ 10 m/s and 0.02 ≤ JL ≤ 0.7 m/s, respectively, and a flow regime map was developed. Accuracy of the pressure-measurement technique was validated with single-phase, laminar and turbulent, fully developed data. Two-phase experiments were conducted for eight different inlet conditions and various mass splits at the junction. Comparisons were conducted between the present data and former correlations for the fully developed two-phase pressure drop in rectangular channels with similar sizes. Wide deviations were found among these correlations, and the correlations that agreed best with the present data were identified.