CaviPRO
Control and applications of hydrodynamic cavitation phenomena
Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is known for causing damages on machines, pipelines, and equipment due to the formation and implosion of tiny gas bubbles and local temperature hotspots. Controlling and utilizing these harsh micro-conditions has the potential to revolutionize process unit operations such as mixing, reactions, emulsions, and particle formation for the benefit of the process industries. The MSCA Doctoral Network CaviPRO aims to push the current scientific boundaries and explore entirely new directions of fundamental research on controlled cavitation that is linked to key process applications such as water treatment, crystallization, multiphase reactions and valorisation of waste biomass.
At TU Dresden, the project aims to optimize hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) devices to improve process effectiveness at the system level, minimizing energy use and equipment wear. The research combines linear and swirling flows within HC devices, directing cavitation away from walls to reduce damage. Innovations include venturi devices with swirl-generating internals, flow analyses with advanced imaging techniques like ultrafast X-ray tomography and microscopy (at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, HZDR) to capture cavitation dynamics. These developments support 3D-printed HC devices that enhance reaction yields, lower energy needs, and resist mechanical stress, advancing industrial HC processes.
Figure: Envisioned X-ray tomography experiments of a cavitating venturi with internals
Contact Person: Gašper Bizjan M.Sc.
Project Partners: University of Limerick, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, University of Turin, University of Ljubljana, Air Liquide S.A., Biocore Environmental, Swiss Federal Technical Institute, Paul Scherrer Institut, Paques, Pfizer, CRB, Andritz, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Elsevier, European Federation of Chemical Engineers
Project Duration: 02/2024 – 01/2028
Funding: Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Call: HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01, Project: 101113564
Links: Follow CaviPRO on https://www.linkedin.com/in/cavipro/ and www.cavipro.eu