Gennifer A. Riley

She/her

Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical and nuclear engineering (May 2017)

Bachelor of Science in physics from Washburn University (May 2017)

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in mechanical engineering at Kansas State University

McNair Project: A Snapshot of Oil-Water Flows in Mini-Channels (2016)

Mentor: Melanie Derby, Ph.D.

The separation of oil and water is a time and energy consuming process since corrosive salt water must be separated from oil. In oil-water flows through a mini-channel, surface tension forces dominate and can produce flow regimes that separate the oil and water (i.e., annular flow). This study investigates the effects of tube diameter on mineral oil and water flows by measuring pressure drops and observing flow patterns in 2.1-mm and 3.7-mm-diameter borosilicate glass tubes. Results are presented for varying water superficial velocities and a constant oil superficial velocity of about 3.4 m/s. Flow regimes in the 2.1-mm tube remain stratified or annular at more test conditions. Recorded pressure drops are lower in the 3.7-mm tube compared to the 2.1-mm tube.