Design and Manufacturing a Miniature Reynolds Apparatus for Testing Nanofluids

In the oil and gas industry, application of nanoparticles is becoming a more common practice. There are a number of researches on lubricating effects of nanoparticles in different applications; therefore, some fundamental studies are eminent on mechanisms and functions of skin friction reduction of nanoparticles in pipe flows. In addition, studies on coagulation and agglomeration of nanoparticle precipitation on the pipe surfaces are of practical interest. In this research, development of a miniature Reynolds apparatus is sought to study different flow regimes from laminar to turbulent. The first goal is to measure rheological properties of Newtonian and non-Newtonian nanofluids at laminar flows. The miniature Reynolds apparatus should continuously circulate 1 L or lower amounts of nanofluid and measure pressure drop and flow rates for at least three Reynolds numbers. This paper summarizes the design procedure and provides CFD simulations for the designed system. Analysis of the measured data will provide useful information on skin friction reduction and precipitation of nanoparticles on pipe surfaces.