Corrosion mechanism in a closed-loop oscillating heat-pipe with check valves (CLOHP/CV)

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the parameters affecting corrosion of the closed-loop oscillating heat-pipe with check valves (CLOHP/CV) in a system in clear that will be basic data to be used in future research. The majority of research focuses on the inner surface corrosion heat-pipe systems. The CLOHP/CV is commonly favored in cooling electronic devices, etc. Despite these common applications, limited reliable experimental research findings are available on the operation of the CLOHP/CV. Because of these reasons, the lack of detailed data, working fluids effect, working temperatures and duration of testing of the CLOHP/CV, this study focuses on determining the actual inner surface corrosion.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven types of copper tubes used in the CLOHP/CV set were sectioned to observe their inner surfaces. Seven different specimens with tube corrosion were examined by a visual inspection, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). The technique for detecting metals solution in samples is based on the fact that ground state metals absorb light at specific wavelengths. Metal ions in a solution are converted to atomic state by means of a flame. In this study, concentration of copper particle in the working fluid was found by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (Flame-AAS) and elements that occurred on inner surface tube were analyzed by EDX.

Findings

The analyses with SEM and EDX testing found that the character corrosion of inner surface of CLOHP/CV was pitting clearly. The analysis with Flame-AAS found that the concentration of copper particles in the distilled water and ethanol as working fluid is more than after 1,000 hours until 3,000 hours because of excess volume of oxygen in working fluid which causes many reactions at the beginning. When the oxygen decreases after 1,000 hours, it causes the reaction to decrease too and get the most concentration of copper particles, i.e. 18.57228 ppm or 0.40859 mg.

Originality/value

Corrosion-dependant maintenance must also be factored into the design. Producing reliable equipment that will become standardized and fixing the time for proper maintenance will require individuals that are knowledgeable about the materials that are going to be used in the design of such equipment. Nowadays, the lack of detailed data of working fluids effect, working temperatures and duration of testing of the CLOHP/CV focuses on determining the actual inner surface corrosion. Therefore, this research aimed to study the parameters affecting corrosion of the CLOHP/CV in a system in clear that will be basic data to be used in future research.

Citation

Sangiamsuk, S., Bubphachot, B., Watanabe, O. and Rittidech, S. (2014), "Corrosion mechanism in a closed-loop oscillating heat-pipe with check valves (CLOHP/CV)", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 61 No. 5, pp. 293-299. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-05-2013-1264