Solute Nucleation and Growth in Supercritical Fluid Mixtures

Gregory T. Smedley, California Institute of Technology
Gerald Wilemski, Lawrence Livermore National Lab
W. Terry Rawlins, Physical Sciences Inc.
David B. Oakes, Physical Sciences Inc.
Prakash Joshi, Physical Sciences Inc.
William W. Durgin, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Article comments

NOTE: At the time of publication, the author William W. Durgin was affiliated with Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Currently, March 2008, he is Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo.

Abstract

This research effort is directed toward two primary scientific objectives: (1) to determine the gravitational effect on the measurement of nucleation and growth rates near a critical point and (2) to investigate the nucleation process in supercritical fluids to aid in the evaluation and development of existing theoretical models and practical applications. A nucleation pulse method will be employed for this investigation using a rapid expansion to a supersaturated state that is maintained for ≈ 1 ms followed by a rapid recompression to a less supersaturated state that effectively terminates nucleation while permitting growth to continue. Nucleation, which occurs during the initial supersaturated state, is decoupled from growth by producing rapid pressure changes. Thermodynamic analysis, condensation modeling, apparatus design, and optical diagnostic design necessary for the initiation of a theoretical and experimental investigation of naphthalene nucleation from supercritical C0₂ have been completed.