TOFF: Towards Fluid Dynamics of Foam and Froth Flow

Emmy Noether research group of Dr.-Ing. Sascha Heitkam

funded by DFG, starting from 05/2020

Motivation: Foam flow is not yet sufficiently understood because it is defined by the complex interaction of mechanisms at different length scales. At the same time, measurement techniques are scarcely available because established flow measurement techniques are not applicable to foam and froth.

In Stage I, this Emmy-Noether research group aims to develop and adapt innovative measurement techniques to foam flow.

In Stage II, flow experiments in generic as well as industrially motivated configurations will be carried out.

Electrical Impedance Tomography is adapted to measure the liquid distribution in foam with high spatial and temporal resolution.

X-ray Particle-Tracking-Velocimetry with custom-shaped 3D-printed tracer particles allows to measure the velocity distribution and vorticity inside a foam sample.

The ROFEX facility of HZDR ROFEX will be employed to measure velocity and particle distribution inside a foam flow channel.

The wash-water distribution in froth flotation will be researched and optimised with Conductivimetry. The efficiency of particle removal will be tested.

Generic foam flows will be used to compare measurement techniques and create Benchmarks for further development.

Turbulence in foam flow has never been documented. Large-scale flow experiments will yield first insights into foam turbulence.