Quantitative characterisation of microporous ceramic emitters microstructure and visualisation of seepage based on CT 3D reconstruction

Abstract

Pore characteristics play a leading role in the seepage performance of microporous ceramic emitter. To investigate the pore characteristics and seepage performance of microporous ceramic emitter, the pore parameters such as pore equivalent radius, pore throat size, and pore coordination numbers are quantitatively and statistically analysed by computer tomography (CT) three-dimensional reconstruction. Then, the seepage performance of single-phase water flow in pore space is simulated and analysed, and the three-dimensional visualisation of pore seepage in a microporous ceramic emitter is realised. The results show that the equivalent radius of pores in microporous ceramics predominantly ranges from 40 to 160 μm, with the pore throat size exhibiting a logarithmic normal distribution. With an increase in porosity, the pore coordination numbers rise, enhancing the connectivity among them. The tortuosity of the channel is reduced. The number of pores and the average pore equivalent radius also increase with the increase of porosity. The three-dimensional visualisation of pore seepage in microporous ceramic emitters shows that the permeability of microporous ceramic emitters has obvious anisotropy, and the pore structure has a strong control effect on seepage. With the increase of porosity, the seepage path of the microporous ceramic emitter gradually develops from branching to network. The research results can provide a theoretical reference for the preparation and application of microporous ceramic emitters.