Effect of Surface Dilatational Modulus on Foam Flow in a Porous Medium

Abstract

In order to clarify the role of surface dilatational property in foam flow in a porous medium, three systems were prepared: a system with low surface dilatational modulus and high surface tension, a system with low surface dilatational modulus and low surface tension, and a system with high surface dilatational modulus and low surface tension. By measuring the lamella number and pressure drop across the porous medium, it has been found that differing from flow in a capillary tube, a system with high surface dilatational modulus could achieve a high pressure drop in a porous medium. The conclusion drawn as to the reason is that bubbles with smaller diameter resulting from a structure induced breakup and high dilatational modulus are the main reasons. Flow experiments at 40°C also demonstrate the effect of surface dilatational modulus on the pressure drop.