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Applied Thermal Engineering 196 (2021) 117270
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Applied Thermal Engineering

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/apthermeng
A review on experimental investigations of refrigerant/oil mixture flow

boiling in horizontal channels
Wenxiao Chu a, Gang Yan b, Hao Zhang, Supervision c, Fufeng Zhao c, Qingxian Wang c,
Qiuwang Wang a, *
a
Key Laboratory of Thermo-fluid Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
b
Department of Refrigeration & Cryogenic Engineering, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710049, China
c
Guangdong Midea refrigeration equipment Co., Ltd, Shunde District, Foshan, Guangdong 528311, China
A R T I C L E I N F O A B S T R A C T
Keywords: The flow boiling process of refrigerants indicates significant influence on the refrigeration system performance.
Flow boiling With the development of environmental standards in the last two decades, various refrigerants with low Global
Lubricant oil Warming Potential (GWP) and none ozone depletion potential (ODP). This study provides a review upon flow
Correlations
boiling behavior of refrigerants impacting by lubricant oil. Experimental studies on flow regimes of refrigerant/
Augmentation techniques
oil mixtures in macro-scale and that in mini- and micro-scale flow channels are respectively summarized in this
review. Meanwhile, correlations with applicable ranges involving refrigerant mass velocities, heat fluxes, vapor
mass qualities and oil concentrations are also examined and concluded for predicting the two-phase heat transfer
coefficient (HTC) and pressure drop. For achieving better comprehensive thermal performance, experimental
studies on augmentation structures with the application of microfin and metal-foam tubes are also reviewed.
Moreover, the effect of nanoparticles on the flow boiling heat transfer is considered, which sometimes shows
negative effect, but not always. This review aims to serve as a reference guide for experimental measurement of
refrigerant flow boiling as far as the effect of lubricant oil is concerned. Moreover, some research efforts in the
further studies as well as potential enhancement measures are also addressed.
capacity of refrigeration/oil mixture and the increased compressor

1. Introduction work. Researchers have observed that the influence of lubricant oil de
pends on the change of flow pattern along the flow direction, which is
In various air conditioning systems, the flow boiling process occurs strongly affected by operating conditions such as vapor mass velocity,
on the tube side in evaporators where refrigerants driven by a vapor quality, saturation temperature, heat flux and oil concentration
compressor may absorb heat from the external substance [1–3]. For [6]. Meanwhile, various types of empirical correlations of pure re
vapor compression processes, the compressor allows a more flexible frigerants [7–10] and refrigerant/oil mixtures [11–15] were developed
system orientation as compared to pool boiling process and shows for predicting the two-phase HTC and pressure drop during flow boiling
higher heat transfer coefficient (HTC). However, it also creates addi process.
tional system complexity due to the presence of lubricant oil, which In recent years, the volume of heat exchangers becomes smaller with
plays a highly essential role for lubricating and sealing the sliding parts, the demands of system miniaturization and material saving. Conse
cooling the compressor and relieving the vibration and noise generated quently, the flow channels gradually decrease and even heat exchangers
by moving elements [4]. In an actual refrigeration system, a few of with mini- and micro-scale channels have been commercially applied for
lubricant oil may migrate into the piping system which will considerably compact refrigeration systems. It should be pointed that the size of flow
affect the thermodynamic and transport properties of refrigerant mix channel plays a crucial role in flow boiling process, indicating different
tures, casting nonnegligible influence on the system performance [5]. flow phenomena and regimes [16–18]. On the other hand, with the
Fig. 1 illustrates the effect of lubricant oil on the refrigeration cycle ef development of manufacturing technology, tubes with metal foams and
ficiency [1]. Noted that the oil concentration of 8% in the refrigerant some complex spatial structures like internal microfins, threads and
R12 might reduce the COP by as much as 30% due to the reduced metal foams are capable to provide 2~4 times higher HTC than
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: wangqw@mail.xjtu.edu.cn (Q. Wang).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2021.117270
Received 1 February 2021; Received in revised form 27 May 2021; Accepted 21 June 2021
Available online 26 June 2021
1359-4311/© 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
W. Chu et al. Applied Thermal Engineering 196 (2021) 117270
Nomenclature PAG polyalkylene glycol

PAO poly alpha olefin
Bo boiling number,q/(G∙ifg ) POE polyol ester
Co convective boiling number,[(1 − x)/x ]0.8 (ρG /ρL )0.5 Pr Prandtl number
dh hydraulic diameter, m q heat flux, W⋅m− 2
CFC chlorofluorocarbon Re Reynolds number
c, c1, c2, … coefficients Rt dimensionless thermal resistance
dp/dz pressure gradient, Pa⋅m− 1 S boiling inhibitory factor
EF HTC enhancement factor X mass fraction in liquid phase
F convection enhancement factor Xtt Martinelli parameter,(ρG /ρL )0.5 ∙(μL /μG )0.1 ∙[(1 − x)/x]0.9
Fr Froudle number,G2 /(ρ2L ∙g∙di ) x vapor quality
f frictional factor Y mass fraction in vapor phase
Fa Fang’s number
G mass velocity, kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 Greek symbols
GWP Global Warming Potential λ conductivity, W⋅m− 1⋅K− 1
HCFC hydrochlorofluorocarban μ viscosity, Pa⋅s− 1

HVACR heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration ρ density, kg⋅m− 3
system ω vapor quality
HTC heat transfer coefficient, W⋅m− 2⋅K− 1 Subscripts
h two-phase HTC, W⋅m− 2⋅K− 1 c convective boiling
iLG latent heat, kJ⋅kg− 1 G vapor
p pressure, Pa L liquid
PF pressure drop correction factor o oil
PPI pores per inch nb nucleate boiling
Pr Prandtl number r refrigerant
ODP ozone depletion potential sat saturation
MAD mean absolute deviation tw two-phase
MAE mean absolute error
Nu Nusselt number
channel scales. Additionally, the flow boiling of refrigerant/oil mixtures

in tubes with structural augmentation techniques are also reviewed.
Section 2 provides an overview of studies on pure refrigerant flow
boiling in recent decades. Then, the developments of oil effect on flow
boiling regimes, two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop are intro
duced. Section 3 concludes experimental studies of refrigerant/oil
mixture flow boiling based on channel scales. The essential features of
flow boiling in macro-scale channels and that in mini- and micro-scale
channels are separately discussed. Furthermore, various available cor
relations with applicable ranges are compared and summarized based on
Pressure (kPa)
their physical significances. In section 4, the flow boiling characteristics

in tubes with the applications of internal microfins, metal foams and
nanoparticles are discussed for achieving significant improvement on
comprehensive performance. Then, major conclusions based on
reviewed literatures is summarized in Section 5 and recommended
future works are also suggested in Section 6.
2. Overview of oil effect on refrigerant flow boiling regimes
2.1. Development of pure refrigerant flow boiling in the recent decade
2.1.1. Comparison of sustainable refrigerants

-1
Enthalpy (kJ·kg ) Because of the contribution to ozone depletion in the upper atmo
sphere, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbans
Fig. 1. Pressure-enthalpy chart showing the influence of oil concentration on (HCFCs) refrigerants were phased out under the Montreal Protocol. In
the refrigeration cycle. the last 20 years, R134a was widely used and also was an intense
research hot spot [19–28]. Despite hydrofluorocarban (HFC) re
conventional smooth tubes. Furthermore, the implementation of nano frigerants have no ozone depletion potential (ODP), they still exhibit
fluid also shows great advantages on the improvement of thermal high Global Warming Potential (GWP) which also cast significant impact
transport, which is also regarded as a candidate enhancement strategy. on the earth environment. In the recent decades, investigations on the
This paper presents a review on experimental studies of lubricant oil promising next-generation refrigerants with zero ODP and low GPW
effect during refrigerant flow boiling process, which may help to un have received the most interest by researchers and engineers. A great
derstand the flow regimes of refrigerant/oil mixtures in different flow number of literatures have investigated the flow boiling regime of
2
various new refrigerants such as R1234ze [29], R1234yf [30], R600a scale and micro-scale channels, respectively. Magdalena [45] measured
(isobutane) [31], R32 [32], R290 (propane) [33], R447a [34], R152a the refrigerant flow boiling heat transfer and recorded the flow pattern
[35], R245fa [36], R123/R134a mixture [37], R744 (CO2) [38] and maps with liquid crystal thermography technology. They pointed that
R717 (ammonia) [39], which feature high heat transfer efficiency with the mist flow structure might only occur in experiments when adopting
lower environmental impact. the channel with horizontal orientation. Bamorovat et al. [46] visual
Table 1 tubulated the principal properties of some refrigerants highly ized the flow boiling patterns of R245fa in a horizontal tube, and Fig. 2
concerned in existed publications. Depending on application and GWP illustrated the flow patterns influenced by variations of vapor qualities
target, most of the currently used HFC refrigerants, such as R134a (GWP and mass velocities. Noted that the dispersed bubbles along the flow
of 1300) and R410a (GWP of 2090), will be prohibited in the very next direction can be found at the vapor quality of 0.1. When raising the
future. Note that R32 has an almost one-third lower GWP in comparison vapor quality to 0.15, slug flow occurred and the flow is not symmet
with R134a and R410a, which is currently used in residential and rically distributed due to the gravity effect. Then, the flow pattern
commercial HVACR systems in Japan, China, and India as substitute for turned to churn flow when further increasing the quality to 0.25, and the
R410a. It was investigated that the HTC of R32 exhibits great sensitivity annular flow might occur at the vapor quality of 0.4. It was also clarified
to heat flux and the frictional pressure drop shows great sensitivity to that the flow pattern and flow regime can significantly influence the
saturation temperature, refrigerant mass flux and mean vapor quality two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop in horizontal tubes.
[40,41]. However, R32 is still not remarkable for its high environmental Charnay et al. [47,48] identified flow regime transitions during the
impact. Refrigerants like R1234ze, R1234yf, R600a and R290 having flow boiling of R245fa and summarized four flow patterns. Fig. 3 illus
characteristics with a null ODP and an almost negligible GWP can meet trates the developed diagram of the flow boiling regimes in the evapo
the requirements of environmental protection. Currently, R1234ze and rator as well as the variation of wall temperature and HTC. For
R1234yf have been applied with abroad applications in HVACR systems intermittent and annular flow, the channel walls are wetted by the liquid
[42]. They are comprised of basic components in HFO and HFC blends, and the two-phase HTC is high. In the meantime, the top and bottom
showing relatively close thermal properties to R134a and implying as its inner wall temperatures are nearly the same. The rapid increase of the
potential substitutes. However, due to the less liquid density and latent inner wall temperatures at the vapor quality of 0.4 results in a corre
heat of R1234ze and R1234yf, they both have less volumetric efficiency sponding decrease in HTC, announcing the occurrence of dryout phe
and cooling capacity compared to R134a. On the other hand, the hy nomenon. The position at vapor quality of 0.57 indicates the location
drocarbon R600a and R290 are also regarded as the future candidate where dryout is complete and the deterioration of the heat transfer ends.
refrigerants [6]. They present much higher latent heat of vaporization Then, the inner wall temperature at the top starts to increase at lower
than R1234ze, R1234yf and R134a, thereby lower mass velocities are vapor quality than that at the bottom. The HTC falls over a limited
required for dissipating the same amount of heat. However, it should be quality range and then becomes nearly constant value. The location
reminded that R600a and R290 possess the saturated vapor density indicating dryout completion corresponds to the inception of the mist
three times lower than other refrigerants, resulting in a higher vapor flow regime where the liquid film disappeared and has been entrained
velocity and pressure drop during the flow boiling in the refrigeration into the high velocity vapor core.
system. Besides, low flammable characteristics is another concern for Charnay et al. [49,50] also summarized the mechanisms to govern
employing in a variety of HVACR applications. The hydrocarbons al flow boiling heat transfer in both macro- and micro-scale channels. The
ways feature a much higher flammability, indicating a greater cost of flow boiling heat transfer mechanisms were explained as a combination
safety design. Meanwhile, the natural refrigerants such as R717 of nucleate and convective boiling based on the pool boiling theory.
(ammonia) [39] and R744 (CO2) [43] also show high competitivity due Research showed that nucleate boiling is related to the formation of
to their great environment-friendly characteristics. Studies on the bubbles at the tube wall, whereas convective boiling is related to con
modern universal and future low GWP refrigerants are reviewed and the duction and convection through a thin liquid film with evaporation at
retired refrigerants are not included in the present paper. the liquid–vapor interface. Basically, it was well known that the
convective and nucleate flow boiling effects might coexist when the
2.1.2. Regime of pure refrigerant flow boiling vapor quality increases. The HTC can be simplified as the net effect of
The flow boiling process of pure refrigerants is briefly introduced in the two mechanisms. As explained in Fig. 4, when nucleate boiling is
this section, thereby readers can better understand the fundamental dominant, the two-phase HTC is independent of the mass velocity and
regime of lubricant effect. The flow regime of refrigerants for in-tube vapor quality, but sensitive to the heat flux and saturation pressure level.
flow boiling is strongly dependent on the mass velocity, vapor quality, In contrast, when convective boiling is dominant, the two-phase HTC is
heat flux and tube orientation. Thome et al. [44] provided an exhaustive insensitive to the heat flux but severely dependent on the mass flux and
review and classified flow patterns based on flow channel scales. A total vapor quality. For the case having the same order importance between
of five flow regimes were encountered in macro-scale channels, nucleate and convective boiling mechanisms, the two-phase HTC is
including stratified, bubble, slug, annular, mist flow. For micro-scale dependent on all above parameters. Kim and Mudawar [51] conducted a
channels, four regimes including bubble, slug, annular, mist flow were generalized approach to predicting both nucleate boiling dominated and
observed, and four sub-regimes in the transition region including churn, convective boiling dominated heat transfer in mini/micro-channel
semi-annular, ring-annular, frothy-annular flow were reported. They flows. They also developed a dimensionless correlation comprised of
also developed the map to describe the flow patterns occurring in macro- Weber number, capillary and boiling numbers, reduced pressure and
Table 1
Thermal properties of refrigerants at 25℃.
Refrigerants Molecular weight Psat ρL ρG μL iLG Surface tension GWP ODP
g⋅mol− 1 kPa kg⋅m− 3
kg⋅m− 3
μPa⋅s kJ⋅kg− 1
10-3N⋅m− 1
R134a 102 665.4 1206.7 32.4 194.9 177.8 8.1 1300 0

R410a 72.6 1657.4 1058.6 64.9 117.9 256.7 5.32 1730 0
R32 52 168.9 961 47.3 113.7 270.9 6.8 675 0
R1234ze 114 500.1 1162 26.8 203.4 166.5 9.0 7 0
R1234yf 114 682.5 1092 37.9 161.1 146.4 2.0 4 0
R600a 58 350.7 550.7 9.1 151.1 328.9 11.7 3 0
R290 44 952 492.4 20.6 97.1 335.7 7.0 3 0
3
Fixed G = 250 kg·m-2·s-1 and q = 10 kW·m-2 Fixed x = 0.13 and q = 10 kW·m-2
Dispersed bubbles at x = 0.1 Dispersed bubbles at G = 300 kg·m-2·s-1
Slug flow at x = 0.15 Slug-bubbly flow at G = 400 kg·m-2·s-1
Churn flow at x = 0.25 Annular flow at G = 600 kg·m-2·s-1
Annular flow at x = 0.4 Annular flow at G = 700 kg·m-2·s-1
Fig. 2. Flow patterns in variation of vapor quality (x) and mass velocity (G).
Heat transfer coefficient (W·m-2·K-1)

Inner wall temperature (°C)
R245fa G = 1,000 kg·m-2·s -1

Din = 3.0 mm q = 50 kW·m -2
Tsat = 120°C
Annular
Intermittent Dryout Mist Vapor
Vapor quality
Fig. 3. Variation of temperatures and heat transfer coefficients as a function of vapor quality.
4
(a) nucleate boiling dominant flow (b) convective boiling dominant flow
Fig. 4. Schematic of the typical trends of heat transfer coefficient observed with nucleate and flow boiling dominant regions.
density ratio, showing good predictions of the entire database. is critical especially for the kinematic viscosity. Cremaschi at el. [53]
observed that the flow behavior of refrigerant/oil mixtures is strongly
2.2. Overview of oil effect on flow boiling process related to the formation of oil layer which is defined as oil retention
characteristics. It depends on the oil transport properties and its misci
2.2.1. Effect of lubricant oil on flow boiling regime bility. At an oil mass fraction of 5%, the insoluble R410a/mineral oil
As aforementioned, lubricant oil exists in actual refrigeration sys mixture displays approximate 31% lower retained oil by mass than the
tems and its influence on the system performance is non-negligible. miscible R410a/polyester oil mixture.
Tuomas [52] analyzed the properties of lubricant oil and refrigerant For flow boiling process, lubricant oil may pronouncedly affect the
mixtures. It was reported that the density barely changes when intro two-phase flow pattern, bubble nucleation rate and interface behavior of
ducing very low concentration of oils. However, the viscosity of various refrigerants in evaporators. Wang et al. [54] reviewed studies on the
refrigerants and polyolester pairs were investigated using a high- heat transfer performance of refrigerant/oil pertaining to nucleate
pressure falling ball viscometer and it was noted that the viscosity de boiling process. Some key influencing parameters such as the lubricant
creases with increasing the refrigerant concentration. With the update of concentration, thermal properties of refrigerant/oil mixture, saturation
refrigerants, various oil types were developed for lubrication consid temperature, internal surface configuration and heat flux were discussed
ering the thermal properties and miscibility. Some important thermo and summarized. They found that, for smooth and structured tubes, the
dynamic properties of refrigerants are affected with the unavoidable HTC might decrease when introducing a high oil concentration greater
introduction of oil in the systems, such as the oil viscosity, density,
surface tension and hygroscopicity. The mineral oils were widely
applied for CFCs which can be categorized into paraffins, naphthenics,
aromatics, and nonhydrocarbons. Then, the synthetic (ester) oils were
developed due to the immiscible properties of mineral oils with HFCs,
including the polyol ester (POE), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), alkyl ben
zene (AB) and poly alpha olefin (PAO). The properties of lubricant oils
reported in exited literatures are shown in Table 2 and the temperature
Table 2
Properties of virous lubricant oils.
HTC (W·m-2·K-1)
Oil type Kinematic Density Specific Conductivity Standard

viscosity kg⋅m− 3 heat W⋅m− 1⋅K− 1 boiling
mm2⋅s− 1 kJ⋅kg− 1⋅K− 1
point
℃
POE at 32 981 – – 250

40 ℃
[22]
POE at – 967.4 – 0.0321 –
10 ℃
[132]
PAG at – <1000.6 1.758 0.1478 572.4
0℃
[66]
Mineral 29.5 909 – – 178
oil at
40 ℃
[22]
HBR-04 – 950 1842.19 0.133 – Evaporator length (m)
oil at
40 ℃
Fig. 5. Distribution of local heat transfer coefficient in variation of evapo
[34]
rator length.
5
than 7%. Filho et al. [55] reviewed the flow boiling characteristics and to improve the wetted surface as well as accelerate the formation of
flow pattern visualization of refrigerant/oil mixtures. Fig. 5 illustrated annular flow. Since the oil concentration increases with the vapor
the distribution of the two-phase HTC along the evaporator length di quality, the mixture viscosity and local oil accumulation effect become
rection. It was indicated that, when the oil concentration reaching 1.9%, very significant at high quality.
an enhancement on heat transfer by about 50% can be achieved. With
the increase of oil concentration, the local HTC at frontal part of the tube 2.2.2. Effect of lubricant oil on two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop
was strongly enhanced. However, the dryout point might migrate to the As discussed in the prior section of pure refrigerant flow boiling,
inlet section compared to the case with pure refrigerant, resulting in an variables like refrigerant mass velocity, input heat flux and inlet vapor
earlier dramatical drop of HTC. They also concluded that the criteria for quality are still the main factors affecting the flow pattern, two-phase
HTC augmentation or deterioration are not clearly considering the oil HTC and pressure drop. Table 3 summarizes the experimental studies
effect in the evaporators. Moreover, results revealed the same trend in focusing on flow boiling of refrigerant/oil mixtures. The types of
relation to pressure drop, indicating a monotonic increase on pressure refrigerant and lubricant oil as well as major conclusions are concluded.
drop by raising the oil concentration. In existed publications, the range of oil concentration having a general
Mitrovic [56] investigated the mechanism of nucleate boiling of variation from 0.5 to 5% by weight was investigated. A lot of literatures
refrigerant/oil mixtures associated with crucial parameters such as [33,34,58–63] demonstrated that a small amount of oil (e.g. 0.2%)
nucleation process, growth and departure of vapor bubbles, mass might shows positive promotion on HTC during flow boiling process.
transfer at the interface and adhesion of liquid to the heating surface. Then, a higher oil presence (e.g. 1%) can make annular flow to be
Fig. 6(a) depicts the schematic of oil accumulation at the near-wall re formed earlier, resulting in a dramatic deterioration of HTC. However,
gion. It is shown that oil phase might accumulate near the heating wall several references [39,64–68] revealed that even a small amount of
and form an oil-rich layer, resulting in a much higher temperature dif lubricant oil might cause a considerable reduction of HTC, and the
ference between the heating surface and the refrigerant saturation deterioration becomes more severe with increasing the oil concentra
temperature. As the result, bubbles have to overcome the oil layer while tion. A consistent conclusion was obtained that the pressure drop in
intending to combine with adjacent bubbles. This will result in a smaller creases with the increase of oil concentration in all ranges of vapor
departure bubble diameter. Fig. 6(b) illustrates the schematic of mole quality and mass velocities.
cule distribution of refrigerant and oil phases where the oil molecule In essence, the heat transfer augmentation or deterioration by oil
often has a larger size and complex shape. Hence, when a high mass presence is related to local conditions such as flow pattern, oil concen
fraction of lubricant oil exists, the oil layer with permeable property tration and vapor quality, which are strongly depend on the scale of flow
would be gradually formed. As the result, a new interphase comprised of channels [31,38,69–72]. A general definition with the help of hydraulic
the mixture of refrigerant and oil molecules will be created. The un diameter (dh) was proposed by Kandlikar [73] based on engineering
known properties of the new interphase always have significant effect on practice and industrial applications. The flow channels with dh greater
the heat transfer during boiling process. than 3 mm are regarded as macro-scale channels. For refrigerant flow
Shen and Groll [57] discussed the explanations for the influence of boiling in mini- and micro-scale channels (dh < 3 mm), the capillary
lubricant oil on flow boiling that were presented in literatures. The heat force should be considered, indicating different flow patterns and oil
transfer reduction could be attributed to the mixture properties, mass retain behavior under the same operating conditions. As the result, the
transfer resistance and the oil-rich layer. The augmentation on heat flow boiling mechanism affect by lubricant oil is different against to that
transfer at low and intermediate qualities was due to the improvement developed for macro-scale channels.
of surface wettability. Several investigators attributed the enhancement
on HTC to the increased mixture viscosity which was the primary factor
(b) Schematic of refrigerant and oil

(a) Schematic of oil phase accumulation
molecules distribution
Fig. 6. Schematic of oil phase accumulation at near-wall region and distribution of refrigerant and oil molecules during boiling process.
6
Table 3 Table 3 (continued )

Summary of experimental studies on flow boiling of refrigerant/oil mixtures. Reference Refrigerant Oil type Major observations and
Reference Refrigerant Oil type Major observations and conclusions
conclusions
might be gradually
Guo et al. [34] R447a with POE oil (1) The presence of oil could mitigated with the increase
2020 nanoparticles enhance the heat transfer of mass flux.
of R447a within a certain Weise et al. [38] R744 (CO2) POE oil (1) The addition of oil might
oil concentration range. 2017 only slightly influence the
(2) The surface wettability, pressure drop in adiabatic
viscosity, surface tension conditions at low vapor
and phase separation are qualities.
affected by the addition of (2) A significant influence of
lubricating oil, showing oil on the pressure drop is
leading factors on flow observed especially for
boiling mechanisms. high oil mass fractions,
Deokar et al. R410a POE oil (1) R410a/oil/nanoparticles high vapor qualities, and
[130,131,133] showed degradation in high heat fluxes.
2020 HTC compared to R410a/ (3) When the vapor quality
oil with lower pressure increasing higher than 0.8,
drop. the impact of oil on
(2) A new superposition heat pressure drop becomes
transfer model for significant.
saturated two-phase flow Momenifar et al. R600a Mineral (1) The pressure drop
boiling of R410a/oil/ [31] oil increases with the increase
nanoparticles was 2015 of oil concentration in all
developed. ranges of vapor quality and
Chien et al. [65] R245fa POE oil (1) The HTC increases with mass velocities.
2019 increasing oil (2) The HTC tends to increase
concentration for the at low vapor qualities and
microfin tube because of a decrease at the middle and
more significant bubbly high vapor qualities.
foam. Chen et al. R600a Mineral (1) The HTC would decrease
(2) For the falling-film evapo [134] oil rapidly at high
ration, the HTC increases 2015 concentrations of lubricant
with increasing oil concen oil.
tration for both the smooth (2) Increasing heat flux might
and microfin tubes. lead to a decrease in the
Gao et al. [39] R717 PAG oil (1) The heat transfer was local HTC.
2019 (ammonia) deteriorated with the Baqeri et al. R600a with POE oil (1) The HTC was improved by
influence of miscible oil. [125] nanoparticles adding CuO nanoparticle
The impact become smaller 2014 up to 2% mass fraction and
in low vapor quality the HTC has its maximum
region. value at this mass fraction.
(2) The presence of oil causes (2) With 5% mass fraction of
significant heat transfer CuO nanoparticles, the
deterioration at smaller HTC might drop by 7.94%
mass flux. with respect to baseline.
Li et al. [33] R290 Mineral (1) The flow boiling HTC of Wetzel et al. R744 (CO2) – (1) Lubricant oil might reveal a
2018 oil R290/oil might raise [135] significant increase in
slightly with the increase of 2014 pressure drop with
mass flux when heat flux increasing local oil
bellowing 25 kW⋅m− 2. The concentration and heat
mass flux showed almost flux.
negligible influence after (2) The presence of oil results
the heat flux reaching 25 in a significant reduction
kW⋅m− 2. on liquid HTC. However,
(2) The flow boiling HTC local HTC at the top of the
might fluctuate by tube was enhanced due to
increasing the heat flux, better wetting by foam
which was mainly caused formation.
by the variation of solution Li et al. [66] R744 (CO2) PAG oil The increase of oil
viscosity. 2014 concentration causes a gentle
Han et al. [69] R161 POE oil (1) The local HTC of R161/oil decrease in the predicted HTC
2017 mixtures might raise with for flow boiling of a CO2/oil
the increase of vapor mixture.
quality, then decrease after Dang et al. [67] R744 (CO2) PAG oil (1) At low oil concentrations of
the inflection point. 2013 0.5–1%, the HTC decreased
(2) The pressure drop of R161/ to less than half that under
oil might increase by oil-free conditions.
increasing the mass flux, (2) The HTC remains almost
heat flux and oil constant by further
concentration, but increasing oil
decrease with the increase concentration up to 5%.
of the bubble point Han et al. [70] R1234yf POE oil (1) At the highest mass flux, oil
temperature. 2013 enhanced the HTC during
(3) The impact of oil on heat the limited vapor quality
transfer and pressure drop region. At the small and
moderate mass fluxes, oil
(continued on next page)
7
Table 3 (continued ) Table 3 (continued )

Reference Refrigerant Oil type Major observations and Reference Refrigerant Oil type Major observations and
conclusions conclusions
reduced the HTC, for the convective boiling

especially in the high vapor of R-123/oil mixture.
quality region. Hu et al. [61] R410a Ester oil (1) The presence of oil
(2) At moderate and high heat 2008 enhances the heat transfer
fluxes, the HTC rapidly of R410a/oil mixture at
decrease by raising oil low and intermediate
concentration. At low heat vapor qualities, and the
flux, the HTC increase at HTC increases after raising
first and then decrease. the mass flux.
(3) The pressure drop of (2) A peak of local HTC exists
R1234yf/oil mixture with about 2–4% oil
increases with the mass concentration. The peak
fluxes and the heat fluxes, will shift to lower oil
and decrease with the concentration with the
saturation temperatures. increasing of vapor
Dawidowicz R22, R134a POE oil (1) Heat transfer deterioration qualities.
et al. [136] and R407C for cases with 1% oil Hu et al. [62] R410a Ester oil (1) The presence of oil
2012 concentration of all three 2008 enhances the HTC at the
refrigerants was observed. range of vapor qualities
(2) For cases with 5% oil lower than 0.4.
concentration, heat (2) Oil may deteriorate heat
transfer hysteresis and transfer and the HTC
pressure drop hysteresis for sharply drops with the
tubes with and without increase of nominal oil
porous coating were concentration at high
recorded. vapor qualities than 0.65.
Kim et al. [137] R744 (CO2) POE oil (1) When the nucleate boiling Wei et al. R22 Mineral (1) Oil presence can make
2012 is dominant, oil addition [11,12] oil annular flow to be formed
degrades the two-phase 2007 earlier, and it can retard its
flow boiling heat transfer. diminution at high oil
(2) Results in the smooth tube concentration than 3%.
showed that the strong (2) Heat transfer
dependence of nucleate augmentation by oil
boiling and the effect of presence becomes
mass flux are dominant to weakened for refrigerant
determine the flow pattern flow boiling in tubes with
and corresponding heat smaller diameter.
transfer performance. Gao et al. [71] R744 (CO2) PAG oil (1) The HTC showed a strong
Kim et al. [64] R123 Mineral (1) Even with small amount of 2007 dependence on heat flux
2011 oil oil, the degradation of HTC for cases with pure CO2.
is significant. (2) The HTC indicated a strong
(2) The heat transfer dependence on mass
degradation is smaller for velocity for cases with
convective boiling as CO2/oil mixtures.
compared with pool Zheng et al. [72] R717 PAG oil (1) HTC might increase,
boiling, especially at low 2006 (ammonia) decrease or demonstrate no
oil concentration. change with lubricant
Hu et al. [138] R410a POE Compared to the flow boiling in concentration, depending
2010 smooth tube, the curvature of on heat flux and saturation
C-shape curved smooth tube temperature.
might deteriorate HTC by (2) The effect lubricant oil on
46–74%. HTC was generally more
Ono et al. [96] R744 (CO2) PAG oil (1) The flow boiling heat significant than the inlet
2010 transfer of pure CO is quality, heat flux and mass
dominated by nucleate velocity.
boiling. Most flow patterns Boyman et al. R717 Ester oil (1) A small oil content of oil (e.
in the smooth tube are slug [68] (ammonia) g. 0.1%) might cause a
and wavy flows. 2004 considerable reduction of
(2) For the flow pattern of HTC, which is more
CO /oil mixtures, the significant in the tube
frequency of slug where annular flow pattern
occurrence is greater than occurs.
that of pure CO . (2) The HTC rarely decreased
Ding et al. [60] R410a Mineral (1) The effect of oil on when the oil concentration
2009 oil frictional pressure drop is exceeds 1%.
more evident at higher Zurcher et al. R134a and Ester oil (1) When vapor quality
vapor qualities. [15] R407C reaching higher than 70%,
(2) The enhanced factor for 1998 the presence of oil might
frictional pressure drop is dramatically decrease the
always larger than unity HTC by as much as 80–90%
and increases with oil even with small amounts of
concentration at a given oil.
vapor quality. (2) Two-phase pressure drops
(3) The effects of mass flux and were increased by the
vapor quality are negligible (continued on next page)
8
Table 3 (continued ) concentrations. The oil effect on flow resistance increasing become more
Reference Refrigerant Oil type Major observations and pronounced at high vapor qualities due to the higher liquid viscosities of
conclusions refrigerant/oil mixtures than that of pure R134a. Then, they emphasized
presence of oil, especially
on studies of refrigerant/oil flow boiling with intermediate and high
at high vapor qualities. vapor qualities [15]. It was found that the refrigerant/oil thermody
Nidegger et al. R134a Ester oil (1) At the highest mass namic effects are most critical on boiling heat transfer performance.
[27] velocity, oil could enhance Meanwhile, the effect of oil foaming on flow pattern has important
1997 HTC at intermediate vapor
implications on both two-phase heat transfer and pressure drop, and
qualities while decreasing
HTC at higher vapor some noticeable evidence of oil retains and buildup inside the plain tube
qualities. was observed at very high vapor qualities.
(2) At the lowest mass Wei et al. [11–13] investigated the influences of oil on HTC of
velocity, oil rapidly refrigerant flow boiling inside horizontal smooth tubes with inside di
decreased HTC to about
half of the corresponding
ameters of 6.34 mm. It was observed that oil can make annular flow
value of pure R134a. form early and retard to retain longer when introducing oil concentra
(3) The oil effect on two-phase tion higher than 3%. Then, the flow boiling in a tube with diameter of
pressure drop was most 2.50 mm was measured. Noted that the heat transfer augmentation by
evident at high vapor
lubricant oil become weakened and even detrimental effect could be
qualities.
Hambraeus [28] R134a Ester oil (1) Oil can improve HTC when found. Meanwhile, result showed that the frictional performance of re
1995 the pure refrigerant flow frigerants in small tubes is more sensitive to oil presence than that in
would be stratified. larger tubes. For the tube with dh = 6.34 mm, the pressure drops of
(2) The improvement was refrigerant/oil mixture raised monotonically with the increase of vapor
contributed to the
increased surface tension
quality for all tested oil concentrations. In contrast, for the tube with dh
caused by the better tube = 2.5 mm, the pressure drops might reach the peak at the vapor quality
wetting feasibility. of 0.75 when operating with oil concentration lower than 3%, remaining
(3) Oil can decrease the HTC unchanged for even higher vapor qualities. Then, Hu et al. [61,62] also
when yielding high
found that the presence of oil shows recognizable enhancement on heat
viscosity. The effect of the
partial miscibility showed transfer of R410a flow boiling inside a 7 mm smooth tube. For cases with
little importance on HTC. higher vapor qualities, a peak of local HTC for R410a/oil mixtures
Hughes et al. R12 Mineral When oil was introduced to the existed at about 2~4% nominal oil concentration, and the peak might
[139] oil refrigerant system, the shift to lower oil concentration with the increase of vapor qualities.
1984 normally clear liquid in
Noted that a higher oil concentration gives more detrimental effect at
annular-wavy flow became
white due to the formation of high vapor qualities. On the other hand, the presence of oil might raise
small bubbles. the two-phase frictional pressure drop, and the influence of oil on the
pressure drop becomes more pronounced for cases with higher vapor
qualities due to the corresponding higher oil concentrations. They also
3. Flow boiling of refrigerant/oil in channels with different
developed the flow pattern map of R410a/oil mixture based on refrig
scales
erant/oil mixture properties, showing good agreement with the flow
patterns observed in experiments. Monmenifar et al. [31] investigated
As discussed in Section 2, it is observed that the lubricant effect on
the effect of oil on flow boiling of R600a. Noted that the maximum
flow boiling HTC is quite complex. In this section, experimental studies
enhancement is 49% for the highest oil concentration of 2.5% at the
on flow boiling of refrigerant/oil mixtures in macro-scale channels and
vapor quality of 0.31 and mass velocity of 380 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1. For cases
that in mini- and micro-scale channels will be reviewed separately. The
with the middle and high vapor qualities, HTC was deteriorated. How
effects of mass velocity, heat flux, vapor quality, oil concentration,
ever, higher pressure drop was obtained with the increase of oil con
refrigerant/oil miscibility and saturation temperature on HTC and
centration in all ranges of vapor quality and mass velocities.
pressure drop will be comprehensively considered and discussed.
3.1.2. Effect of oil miscibility
3.1. Flow boiling in macro-scale channels Edgard et al. [74] observed the foam flow of R134a and ester oil
mixture through a straight horizontal 3.22 mm inner diameter. Fig. 7(a)
Table 4 summarizes experimental studies for refrigerant/oil flow illustrates the formation process of foam flow along the flow direction.
boiling in macro-channels (dh ≥ 3 mm) with applicable measurement At the inlet of the tube a liquid mixture flow was visualized. While the
ranges. Note that most of literatures focused on measurements with oil flow proceeded towards the tube outlet, the pressure drop indicates a
concentration in the range of 0~5.0%. The maximum mass velocity is pronounced reduction of the refrigerant solubility in the oil, yielding to
within 500~700 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1. The vapor qualities in the whole tubes are formation of the foam flow. As the result, the bubble population would
tested for full coverage from 0 to 1.0. The input heat flux is determined be increased due to the exist of immiscible phases. Guo et al. [34]
by measured ranges of mass velocities and vapor qualities. studied the flow boiling process of R447a/lubricating oil mixtures in a
10 mm smooth tube, and they conducted comprehensive experiments to
3.1.1. Effect of operating conditions support the mechanism explanation for the enhancement and deterio
Zurcher et al. [4] measured the flow boiling of R134a/lubricant oil in ration on HTC by lubricant oil, including considerations of the phase
a plain horizontal tube with inlet oil concentrations ranging from 0 to separation, mixture viscosity and flow pattern transition. Fig. 7(b) il
5%. Result showed that the oil tends to improve the local boiling HTC lustrates the phase separation line of oil in R447a varying with the oil
with the vapor qualities ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 at low mass velocities, concentration, which was regarded as a vital factor for HTC enhance
which was explained by the change of flow patterns. Compared to the ment or deterioration mechanism. Noted that the phase separation
flow patterns of pure R134a, stratified wavy flow changed to intermit temperature increases first, then subsequently decreased, indicating that
tent or annular flow due to the addition of the lubricant oil, from caused the R447a/oil mixture is first miscible, then separates with the increase
the large increase in the HTC. In contrast, significant deterioration in of vapor quality and finally appears miscible phenomenon again at high
boiling performance might occur at high vapor qualities with higher oil vapor qualities. The vibrating string method was also applied to measure
9
Table 4
Summary of studies for refrigerant/oil flow boiling in macro-channels with applicable ranges.
References Inner tube diameter Tsat or psat Mass velocity Oil concentration Heat fluxes Vapor quality
(mm) (kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1) (%) (kW⋅m− 2)
Guo et al. [34] 10 10~20 ℃ 100~300 0.95~4.95 6~24 0~1.0

2020
Deokar et al. [130,131,133] 9.5 6℃ 100~200 2.4 15 0.28~0.75
2020
Chien et al. [65] 19 5~20 ℃ 330~400 1~5 6~55 N/A
2019
Gao et al. [39] 8 − 5.5~5 ℃ 51~99.5 0~5.78 6.3~17.6 0~0.9
2019
Li et al. [33] 4–8 59~71 ℃ 221~387 15 14~27 0.07~0.17
2018
Han et al.[69] 7 − 5~8 ℃ 100~250 0~5 11.76~52.94 0~0.9
2017
Weise et al. [38] 8.62 100~390 kPa 75~500 1.3~3.0 0~120 0.1~0.9
2017
Momenifar et al. [31] 8.7 – 130~380 0~2.5 10~28 0.05~0.77
2015
Chen et al. [134] 5.4 65.2–82.2 kPa 11.9~21.0 0.25~0.45 2.5~3.3 0.25~0.9
2015
Baqeri et al. [125] 9.5 40 ℃ 50~700 0~5% 3~6 0~0.25
2014
Wetzel et al.[135] 14 14.3~26.4 ℃ 75~300 0~3.0 0~100 0.1~0.9
2014
Dang et al. [67] 4 15 ℃ 400~4502 1.0~3.0 4.5~36 0.1~1.0
2013
Han et al. [70] 7.0 5 ℃ and 15 ℃ 100~400 0~5.0 4~12 0.2~1.0
2013
Dawidowicz et al. [136] 10 0℃ 250~650 1.0~5.0 N/A 0~0.7
2012
Kim et al. [137] 11.2 − 15 ℃ 100 and 200 0.5~2.0 0.5~10 0.1~0.8
2012
Kim et al. [64] 13.5 40 ℃ 8.0~26.0 0~5.0% 10~40 0~0.9
2011
Hu et al. [138] 7 0℃ 200~400 1~5 6.93~13.55 0~0.9
2010
Ono et al. [96] 3.76 10 ℃ 100~500 0~1.0% 10~30 0.1~1.0
2010
Ding et al. [60] 5.0 5℃ 200~400 0~5 7.46~14.92 0.1~0.8
2009
Hu et al. [61] 7 5℃ 200~400 0~5 7.56~15.12 0.2~0.7
2008
Hu et al. [62] 6.34 5℃ 200~400 0~5 7.56~15.12 0~0.8
2008
Wei et al. [11–13] 6.34 and 2.5 5℃ 200~400 0~5 3.2~14 0.1~0.8
2007
Gao et al. [71] 3 10 ℃ 190~1300 0~0.72 5~30 0.12~0.85
2007
Zheng et al. [72] 15.8 –23.3~7.2 ℃ N/A 0~10 10~60 0~0.4
2006
Boyman et al. [68] 14.0 − 10~10 ℃ 40~170 0~3.0 10~50 0.15
2004
the viscosity of oil, showing 17.05, 8.13 and 17.18 times higher than much lower than that of pure R290. This was explained that the varia
R447a, R1234ze and R32. They suggested that the changes of mixture tion of the thermal properties of R290/oil mixture triggered by boiling
viscosity which declines with temperature should be considered for the temperature has the most obvious influence on boiling heat transfer
mechanism explanation in flow pattern transmissions. As the result, the process. Both of the nucleate boiling mechanism and convective boiling
vapor quality with an annular flow pattern transition decreases with the mechanism showed pronounced effects on the boiling HTC in their
presence of oil at the same mass flow. The addition of lubricating oil study, but neither of them appears to be dominant. Dang et al. [67]
might rapidly accelerate the formation of the annular flow. However, examined the flow boiling heat transfer of CO2 with PAG-type lubricant
with the increase of vapor quality, rapid growth of local oil concentra oil in horizontal smooth tubes. It was found that the HTC dropped to less
tion can be observed. The high surface force of lubricating oil might than half of that operating with pure CO2 when the oil concentration
prevent the bubbles from rising and impede the evaporation process, raising to 0.5% for the tube with dh = 2 mm and 1% for tubes with dh =
resulting in strong deterioration on heat transfer performance. 4 mm and 6 mm. Then, the HTC rarely changed by further increasing the
Hence, the impact of miscible oil would show different results in oil concentration to 5%. Besides, the presence of lubricant oil signifi
comparison to that of immiscible one presented above. The influence cantly improved the sensitivity of heat flux on HTC at low mass flux. For
regime of lubricant oil on HTC is not dominated by the oil foam as cases with high mass flux, rare influence of heat flux on HTC was found
investigated during pool boiling process, but determined by tested except the decrease of dry out quality. The pressure drops increased
condition and thermophysical properties of solutions. Li et al. [33] monotonously regardless of tube diameters, which can be attributed to
presented the experimental results of flow boiling HTC of R290/oil so the increase of viscosity and the oil layer formed along the flow
lution in smooth horizontal tubes with inner diameters of 4, 6 and 8 mm. direction.
Experimental results showed that the HTC for R290/oil mixture are Gao et al. [39] investigated the flow boiling characteristics of
10
(a) flow patterns in the region at inlet, middle and outlet sections.
(b) phase separation effect of oil in refrigerant R447A [34].

Fig. 7. Phase separation effect of oil in refrigerant R447a.
ammonia/miscible oil in a tube with the diameter of 8 mm. A deterio pressure gradient was observed within the applicable ranges. Zheng
ration effect on heat transfer was observed due to the exist of miscible oil et al. [72] measured the flow boiling process of ammonia/oil mixtures at
with the concentration of 1.95%. The effect was not prominent in low the saturation temperatures of –23.3 ℃, − 9.4 ℃ and 7.2 ℃. At low
vapor quality region, and becomes more severe with the rise of vapor saturation temperature, neither oil concentration nor vapor quality
quality. Compared to pure refrigerants, the dynamic viscosity of displayed significant influence on HTC. With the increase of saturation
refrigerant/miscible oil was increased due to the presence of oil. Addi temperatures, the two-phase HTC decreased with the rise of lubricant
tionally, the density of the solution was also changed. Note that the concentration at low heat flux, while it raised with increasing the oil
impacts of dynamic viscosity and density on frictional pressure gradient concentration at high heat flux. Moreover, it was validated that the oil
are opposite. As the result, little influence of miscible oil on frictional concentration effect is more significant than vapor quality effect on the
Table 5
Summary of studies for refrigerant/oil flow boiling in mini- and micro-channels with applicable ranges.
References Tube inner diameter or Refrigerant type Tsat or psat Mass Oil Heat fluxes Range of vapor
channel size velocity concentration (kW⋅m− 2) quality
(kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1) (%)
Jige et al. [32] 1 mm R32 15℃ 50~400 0~3.7 5~40 0~1.0

2020
Hihara et al. [83] 0.9 × 0.9 mm R290, R1234yf, and R32 15℃ 25~200 0~5.0 2.1~8.1 0~0.25
2019
In et al. [37] 0.19 mm R123/R134a mixture 34.9 to 314~470 NA 10~20 0.2~0.9
2018 61.9℃
Sempertegui-Tapia and 1.1 mm R134a, R1234ze, 31.41℃ 200~800 NA 15~145 0~0.93
Ribatski [19] R1234yf and R600a
2017
Alejandro et al. [18] 1.16 mm R290 30~50℃ 175~350 NA 15.76~32.25 0~1.0
Li et al. [66] 2 mm R744(CO2) 10 to 20℃ 360~1440 0.5~5.0 4~36 0~1.0
2014
Tibirica and Ribatski [77] 0.4 mm R134a and R245fa 31℃ 100~900 NA 31~226 0~0.8
2014
Choi et al. [79] 1.5 mm R744(CO2), R717, R290 0 to 10℃ 50~600 NA 5~60 1~1.0
2014 and R1234yf
Col et al. [76] 1.0 mm R134a and R1234yf 31℃ 200~600 NA 10~130 0.05~0.75
2013
Costa-Patry et al. [80,81] 0.56 × 0.085 mm R236fa and R245fa 30.5℃ 500~1051 NA 130~1400 0.03~0.53
2011
Kim et al. [64] 0.2~0.27 R123 0.097 MPa 8~26 0~5 10~40 0~0.9
2011
11
two-phase HTC. temperature. Along the flow direction, the vapor quality raised gradu
ally and oil might separate from liquid refrigerant somewhere, resulting
3.2. Flow boiling in mini- and micro-scale channels in dramatic increase in liquid viscosity and surface tension. Further
more, thermodynamic properties of the oil should be considered as an
As discussed in section 2, the thermohysraulic performance of re indispensable correction factor in the HTC prediction model. Jige et al.
frigerants during flow boiling process is strongly affected by the scale of [82] carried out experiments on the local HTC and pressure drop of R32/
flow channels. It was reported that the HTC increases while reducing the oil mixtures flow boiling inside a horizontal circular mini-channels in
size of channel to mini- and micro-scale [75]. Meanwhile, the HTC is variations of mass flux, heat flux, and oil concentration. Noted that the
independent on the mass flux at some conditions [8,51]. Table 5 sum mixture initially shows higher HTC compared to pure R32 at higher heat
marizes experimental studies of flow boiling process in mini- and micro- flux and lower vapor quality. With the increase of oil concentration, the
channels (dh < 3 mm) with applicable measurement ranges. local HTC of the R32/oil mixtures tended to decrease. The pressure drop
of the R32/oil mixture was higher compared to pure R32 regardless of
3.2.1. Low GWP refrigerant flow boiling operating conditions, and it raised monotonously with increasing the oil
Sempertegui-Tapia and Ribatski [19] presented the HTC of low GWP concentration.
refrigerants inside a 1.1 mm tube, including R1234yf, R1234ze and Noted that the boiling flow heat transfer characteristics are strongly
R600a. Results showed that R1234yf display similar HTC comparing affected by channel shape. The rectangular mini-channels were more
with R134a. With low vapor qualities, R1234ze showed lower HTC than affected by the lubricant oil than were the circular mini-channels. Jige
the R134a. In contrast, the HTC of R1234ze is higher than that of R134a et al. [32] investigated the boiling flow patterns, local HTC distribution
for high vapor qualities. When the vapor quality is lower than 0.2, and pressure drops of R32/lubricant oil mixtures flowing inside a hor
R600a always showed lower HTC than refrigerants R134a, R1234yf and izontal multiport with dh = 1.0 mm. In contrast to results obtained in
R1234ze. However, the HTC for R600a increases drastically with the circular tube [82], the HTC of the R32/oil mixtures was lower compared
increase of vapor quality, reaching values up to 120% higher than the to that of pure R32 regardless of mass flux and vapor quality. With
other fluids. Davide et al. [76] investigated the flow boiling process for increasing oil concentration, operating at lower mass flux and higher
R134a and R1234yf in a smooth tube with the diameter of 1.0 mm. vapor quality might result in a more dramatical decrease on HTC. For a
Result indicated that both R134a and R1234yf exhibits similar trend and mass flux of 400 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1, the HTC of the R32/oil mixtures decreased
the difference in HTC between them was quite small, which can be by up to 40% when compared to that at the same vapor quality. The
attributed to the similar physical properties. Result showed that the HTC decrease in HTC was remarkable at the highest oil concentration and
is highly dependent on the heat flux while the mass velocity showed higher vapor quality. This was explained that an oil film with high
negligible effect. The HTC might decrease while vapor quality rising up viscosity was formed on the heat transfer surface, and then the oil film
to 0.3, then remain constant. Lu et al. [16] also presented investigations remained on the heat transfer surface without evaporation. Therefore,
of R134a and R1234yf inside a tube with dh = 3.9 mm and compared to the HTC might decrease due to the inhibition of the thin-liquid film
results of flow boiling in a tube with dh = 1.1 mm [76]. They concluded evaporation heat transfer in plug and slug-annular flows. However, the
that the flow regime for macro-scale channel is not applicable for micro- deterioration of oil concentration with increasing mass can even be
scale ones and even opposite heat transfer performance is presented due negligible at lower vapor quality and mass flux of 200 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1.
to the difference in flow phenomena subject to channel size and channel Hihara et al. [83] experimentally investigated the effects of POE oil on
geometry. It was also observed that, in the macro-scale tube, the boiling flow of R290, R1234yf, and R32 inside a mini-scale extruded
nucleate boiling heat transfer mechanism shows dominant effect and the channels with a cross section of 0.9 m × 0.9 m. They visualized the
convective evaporation mechanism becomes increasingly significant boiling flow pattern inside multiple square mini-channels, observing
while operating at higher vapor quality. Tibirica and Ribatski [77] that boiling bubbles may occur at the channel corners, and a thin liquid
conducted an experimental investigation of R134a and R245fa in hori film was formed at the channel sides. The HTC was affected by liquid-
zontal tube with dh = 0.4 mm and compared to the results obtained in film-evaporation heat transfer, while dry patches occurred on the
tubes with 1.0 and 2.3 mm [25,78]. It was observed that the liquid film sides of the channel at high heat fluxes. Meanwhile, remarkable foaming
interface in slug and annular flows are no longer smooth, and bubbles phenomenon was observed when lubricant oil was added into the
might departure with a smaller diameter and higher frequency refrigerant flow, and it was greatly influenced by increases in the oil
compared to that occurred in larger scale tube. A new correlation was concentration and heat flux. They also reported that the HTC tended to
also developed to estimate the bubble departure diameter and critical decrease uniformly as oil concentration increased at the lower heat flux
heat flux of flow boiling in micro-scale tubes. Choi et al. [79] tested the condition. When operating at the higher heat fluxes, the HTC reversely
evaporation HTC of R744, R717, R290 and R1234yf in horizontal small raises with increasing oil concentration.
tubes with inner diameter of 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm. Result showed that
R744 possesses the highest HTC. Costa-Patry et al. [80,81] measured the 3.3. Empirical correlations
flow boiling of R236fa and R245fa in a micro-scale evaporator with 85
μm × 560 μm cross section and 12.7 mm length. Noticed that the 3.3.1. Overview of pure refrigerant flow boiling correlations
pressure drop increases almost linearly with increasing the vapor quality A lot of correlations for pure refrigerant were developed. The basic
and shows independent relation to the mass flux. Meanwhile, the HTC form of the correlation was the Chen’s boiling heat transfer model [84],
increased with increasing heat flux due to bubbles coalition. When the regarding the combination of nucleate boiling and convective heat
input heat flux reaching greater than 45 kW⋅m− 2, HTC might decrease transfer mechanisms. The two-phase HTC is determined as:
first around the coalescing bubbles to annular flow, and then increase
hr,tp = Cm Fhc,L + Shnb,tp (1)
after reaching annular flow, showing a V-shaped curve.
where hc,L is the convective HTC of liquid phase in the flow channel,
3.2.2. Oil effect in mini- and micro-scale channels hnb,tp is the nucleate boiling HTC having the expression based on Dittus-
The oil effect on flow boiling patterns, local HTC and pressure drop Boelter formula, F is the convection enhancement factor and S is the
differs from the flow of refrigerant/oil mixtures in macro-scale channels. boiling inhibitory factor.
Li et al. [66] measured the flow boiling process of CO2/oil in a horizontal Fang et al. [23] developed a new correlation for two-phase flow
smooth tube with the inside diameter of 2.0 mm. They pointed that the boiling HTC of R134a based on the database consisting of 2286 data
presence of oil flowing with bulk CO2 might significantly affect both points compiled from 19 published papers. The new correlation takes
bubble generation on the tube surface and the wall superheating advantage of the newly defined dimensionless number (Fa) that is highly
12
Table 6
Summary of correlations and prediction errors for refrigerant/oil flow boiling process.
References Correlations Prediction error
c2
Guo et al. [34] 1 c1 Sh Most of the prediction results for R447A/oil mixture flow boiling were<20% by
=
2020 Rt C3 CoRecL4 Boc5 using 1/Rt.
Gao et al. [39] Compared with the correlation proposed by Gungor and Winterton [92] Result showed that 98.5% of the experimental data within ± 30% error band.
2020
Li et al. [33] Compared with the correlation proposed by Gungor and Winterton [92] Experimental data can be predicted with a mean deviation of ± 15.75%.
2018
)c2 ( ( ) ( ⃒ )
In et al. [37] μL dh q c3 dT ⃒⃒ Most experimental data can be predicted within the error range of ± 25%. The
htp,r,o = EFtp ∙htp,r EFtp = 1 − c1 ∙ ∙ ∙ ∙|Y’ − X’ |
2018 dh Ub ρL dAB ρL ifg dX’ ⃒b mean absolute error of the heat transfer correlation is 12.9%.
Chen et al. Compared with the correlation proposed by Kattan et al. [88] The correlation showed poor prediction for the present experimental data due to
[134] the effect of the non-formation stratified flow at the inlet.
2015
Momenifar { ( )} The correlation can predict the experimental data within a deviation of ± 20%.
n
et al. [31] htp,r,o = EFtp ∙htp,r EFtp = exp ω c1 Xm
tt + c2 Re Xtt =
2015 ( ) ( ) ( )
1 − x 0.9 ρg 0.5 μf 0.1
x ρf μg
Han et al. [70] Compared with the correlations proposed by Eckels et al. [90], Schlager A deviation range of ± 30% and MAD of 19.6% for Eckels correlation; ±38% and
2013 et al. [91] and Zurcher et al. [15]. MAD of 25.3% for Schlager correlation; a mean deviation of 30% and a maximum
deviation of ± 50% for Zurcher correlation.
Kim et al. [64] hr,o The MAD can be controlled within ± 20%.
1− = 1.09q0.078 ω0.61
2011 hr
Hu et al. [62] (
Δpr,o = 2fG2 x2r,o L 1 + 3.52X0.46
)2
/ρr,v The correlation agrees with 92% of the experimental data within a deviation of ±
tt
2011 15%
Hu et al. [61] Compared with the correlation proposed by Kattan et al. [88] The new correlation of local HTC agrees with 90% of the experimental data within
2008 the deviation of ± 25%
Wei et al. htp,r,o = EFL hL,o EFL = a0 + (a1 +a2 Bon2 )∙Frn3 + a3 ω∙[x(1 − x) ]n4 /Gn5 hL,o = More than 90% experimental data lies within ± 20% deviation.
[11–13] (
4.364∙λL
2007 max , 0.023∙λL ∙Re0.8 0.4
L ∙PrL
di
)
di
( )α ( )−
Zheng et al. qdh ρf − ρg 16.759xin
3.573
The correlations covered the present experimental data within ± 15%.
4.663
[72] Nu = e Pr− htp = 1.156 − 16.31pr +
λ f Ts ρf
2006 206.79p2r + 1.742ω − 29.214ω2
related to flow boiling heat transfer. The mean absolute deviation Cornwell [9] and Sun and Mishima [10] within an error band of ± 30%,
(MAD) can be reduced to 14.2%, with 74.4% of the sample having a respectively. The other correlations predicted less than 50% of the
relative deviation within ± 20%, showing the highest prediction accu database. They also developed a predictive method in terms of pre
racy compared to the correlations in available literatures. The new dominant convective effects based on the expression from Kanizawa
correlation also indicated high prediction accuracy for other refrigerants et al. [7]. The correlation could predict 97.7% and 86.3% of the
[85]. Mehendale [86] built a database with 2622 experimental data experimental database within an error margin of ± 30% and ± 20%,
points from 25 publications, and then proposed a new correlation to respectively.
predict the HTC of pure refrigerants flowing in circular tube with and
without internal fins. The new correlation was examined relative to 3.3.2. Development of correlations for refrigerant/oil mixture flow boiling
refrigerants, fin root diameter, mass flux, Reynolds number, saturation Table 6 lists the available correlations for predicting refrigerant/oil
temperature, heat flux and vapor quality, which could predict flow boiling inside horizontal smooth tubes. Usually, the enhancement
71.5~80.5% of the data within ± 30% error bands within a mean ab factor (EF) is applied to address the effect of lubricant oil on heat
solute deviation of 21.5~25.2%. Mastrullo et al. [43] reviewed the transfer. As presented in Eq. (2), EFtp represents the ratio of HTC of
experimental studies and correlations of flow boiling of CO2, including refrigerant/mixture to that of pure refrigerant. Generally, correlations
5223 and 1184 HTC datasets for smooth tubes with pure CO2 and CO2/ for EFtp are developed as the function of nominal oil concentration, mass
oil mixtures, respectively. For pure CO2 database, they suggested that velocity and vapor quality.
the correlation proposed by Fang et al. [85] shows very accurate pre
htp,r,o = EF tp ∙htp,r (2)
diction with the mean absolute error (MAE) of 5.1%. Meanwhile, the
method of Gao et al. [71] provides the highest accuracy with the a MAE On the other hand, another factor, EFL, is defined as the ratio of two-
of 63.2% for CO2/oil mixture in smooth tubes. Kim et al. [8,51] inves phase HTC of refrigerant/oil mixture to that of liquid-phase refrigerant/
tigated the flow boiling heat transfer in mini/micro-channel concerning oil mixture. As shown in Eq. (3), the HTC of refrigerant/oil mixture can
the contributions of both nucleate boiling and convective boiling effects. be calculated in terms of the two-phase multiplier to correct single-phase
It was indicated that both regimes exhibit substantial reduction in the HTC of refrigerant/oil mixtures,
HTC where partial dryout commences at the complete film dryout re
htp,r,o = EF L ∙hL,r,o (3)
gion. Hence, a correlation concerning nucleate boiling dominated and
convective boiling dominated regimes are addressed, which could pro where hL,r,o is the HTC of single-phase refrigerant/oil mixtures. Chen
vide very good predictions against 997 pre-dryout database from 26 suggested to calculate hL,r,o by using the modified Dittus-Boelter for
publications. Result showed that an overall MAE of 20.3% can be ach mula, which is shown as follows:
ieved, illustrating 79.9% and 95.5% of the data falling within ± 30%
k
and ± 50% error bands, respectively. Sempertegui-Tapia and Ribatski hL,r,o = 0.023∙ ∙Re0.8 ∙Pr0.4 (4)
dh
[19] involved available prediction methods from literatures to validate
their experimental results. It was indicated that 82.0%, 81.1%, 78.9% In order to quantify and analyze the oil effect on local two-phase
and 76.8% of the experimental data can be predicted by correlations frictional performance, the measured data of two-phase pressure gra
proposed by Kanizawa et al. [7], Kim and Mudawar [8], Kew and dients of refrigerant-oil mixtures are normalized by using (a) two-phase
13
pressure gradient of pure refrigerant, (b) single-phase pressure gradient velocities. As the result, better comprehensive thermal performance can
of pure refrigerant, and (c) single-phase pressure gradient of refrigerant- be obtained when the ratio of fin height to liquid film thickness is uni
oil mixture, which can be described as Eqs. (5–7). fied. Mehendale [86] summarized flow boiling of pure refrigerants in
horizontal microfin tubes with a total of 2622 experimental data points
(dp/dz)tp,r,o = PFtp ∙(dp/dz)tp,r (5)
from 25 literatures. Fig. 8 illustrated the comparison of between
experimental flow boiling HTC for R134a and R410a in microfin tube
(dp/dz)tp,r,o = PFL ∙(dp/dz)L,r (6)
and that in smooth tube [24]. Noted that the microfin tube is possible to
yield up to triple-times HTC enhancement compared to a smooth tube
(dp/dz)tp,r,o = PFLo ∙(dp/dz)L,r,o (7)
with identical diameter while limiting the 1.2~1.8 times higher pressure
Thome [5] reviewed the flow boiling mechanism of refrigerant/oil drop penalty. However, rare work focused on the summary of refrig
mixtures. They reported that [87], for R-134a/oil and R-407C/oil, a erant/oil flow boiling in microfin tubes, which will be reviewed in this
good prediction accuracy can be achieved by replacing pure refrigerant section. Fig. 9 depicts the cross-sections of a representative microfin
viscosity by the refrigerant-oil mixture viscosity Kattan-Thome-Favrat tube and its key geometric variables, and Table 7 tubulated the key
model [88] without further modification. Then, Zurcher et al. [15,89] geometrical features of microfin tubes studied in existed literatures. The
presented two methods for predicting HTC of refrigerant/oil, which fins with trapezoidal structure are generally used, which can also be
considered the nucleate boiling and the convective heat transfer. Wei rectangular or triangular when defining to zero, respectively.
et al. [11–13] noticed that the Zurcher’s correlation fails to predict the Nidegger et al. [27] measured the flow boiling for refrigerant R134a/
HTC and pressure drop of refrigerant/oil flow boiling process in 2.50 oil mixture. They pointed that oil holdup occurred inside the microfin
mm tube. The mixture properties showed pronounced influence on HTC tube test section and was responsible for the sharp falloff in performance
which should be considered to replace the pure refrigerant properties to at the mass velocity of 100 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1, suggesting a lower mass velocity
address oil influence on heat transfer. They modified the correlation limit for effective use of microfin tubes. Then, Zurcher et al. [89] also
based on local properties of refrigerant/oil mixture, approaching the concluded that the increase of pressure drop influenced by the addition
actual physical mechanism of flow boiling heat transfer of refrigerant/ of lubricant oil become more severe at high vapor qualities since the
oil mixture. More than 90% of the experiment data of both test tubes local viscosities were much larger than that of pure refrigerant where the
have less than ± 20% deviation from the prediction values of the new oil mass fractions are the highest. Hu et al. [63] reported that the
correlations. Hu et al. [61] also proposed a new correlation for R410a/ presence of oil enhances the heat transfer at the vapor quality lower than
oil flow boiling HTC inside the straight smooth tube based on Kattan- 0.4. When operating at vapor qualities higher than 0.65, oil showed
Thome-Favrat model [88], considering the flow pattern and the local pronounced deterioration on HTC, which may rapidly drop with the
properties of refrigerant/oil mixture. Result showed that 90% of the increase of oil concentration. A new correlation to predict the local HTC
experimental data can be well predicted within the deviation of ± 25%. of R410A–oil mixture flow boiling inside the straight microfin tube with
Han et al. [70] reported their experimental results of R1234yf/oil flow 7.0 mm diameter was developed. Then, Ding et al. [60] further proposed
boiling in a horizontal microfin tube. It was indicated that 90% of the the correlations for predicting the local frictional pressure drop of
experimental heat transfer coefficients within a deviation range of ± R410a/oil in an internal grooved microfin tube with outer diameter of
30%, ±38% and ± 50% with Eckels correlation [90], Schlager’s corre 5.0 mm. Han et al. [70] investigated the flow boiling heat transfer
lation [91] and Zurcher’s correlation [15], respectively. characteristics of refrigerant R1234yf/oil in a microfin tube with the
In recent years, Gao [39] with correlations shows that the Gungor outer diameter of 7 mm. Result showed that the HTC can be enhanced by
and Winterton correlation [92] predicts 98.5% of the experimental data lubricant oil when operating at the highest mass flux with low vapor
within ± 30% error band. For the characteristic of pressure drop, little qualities. However, for cases with high heat fluxex, high vapor qualities
influence of lubricant oil was found for R717/oil mixture due to the and moderate mass fluxes, the presence of oil might strongly deteriorate
simultaneous increase of mixture viscosity and density. Li et al. [33] the two-phase HTC with increasing the oil concentration. New correla
evaluated their experimental data of R290/oil flow boiling. It was also tion to predict the local heat transfer of refrigerant/oil mixture flow
indicated that the correlation proposed by Gungor and Winterton boiling inside the horizontal microfin tube was developed on the basis of
showed the highest precision among the four tested correlations, which the flow pattern and the local properties of refrigerant/oil mixture [69].
can predict the two-phase HTC with a mean deviation of ± 15.75%. Guo Zheng et al. [95] investigated the flow boiling of ammonia/oil in an
et al. [34] proposed a dimensionless thermal resistance, 1/Rt, based on enhanced tube with finned surface structures. A clear reduction on two-
the calculation of mass transfer coefficient. It was explained that the phase HTC can be observed with the influence of lubricant oil. However,
HTC is enhanced in the pre-dryout region with increasing oil concen it was interesting that the HTC is decreased by adding lubricant oil up to
tration. For heat transfer prediction of R447A/oil, the modified density, the concentration of 5%, and then a significant increase of HTC was
viscosity and surface tension was utilized by introducing the study by performed from 5% to 10%. This was explained that the complex surface
Kedzierski et al.’s [93]. It was reported that the MAD of 19.98% can be structures, which shield the surrounding two-phase fluid and restrain oil
achieved and the absolute deviations of most data points were lower to stay inside surface structure of microfin tube, demonstrating more
than 20%. significant effect than the inlet vapor quality and result in a more rapid
deterioration in heat transfer performance. Weise et al. [38] measured
4. Heat transfer augmentation techniques the flow boiling performance of CO2/oil mixtures inside a horizontal
microfin tube with inner diameter of 8.62 mm. Noted that the presence
4.1. Enhancement by internal microfins of oil shows negligible influence on the pressure drop in adiabatic
conditions at low vapor qualities, while a significant increase in pressure
Microfin tubes are characterized by high heat transfer performance, drop can be found at vapor qualities higher than 0.8. A pronounced
low pressure drop penalty, less material consumption in manufacturing decline in pressure drop with increasing vapor quality was observed for
and reduction of refrigerant charge. Wu et al. [94] compared the flow pure CO2 and wasn’t observed for CO2/oil mixtures. Furthermore, the
boiling characteristics of R22 and R410A inside one smooth tube and formation of foam was no longer an index for the increase of pressure
five microfin tubes in tubes with the same outer diameter of 5 mm. It was drop. Gao et al. [71] compared the boiling heat transfer characteristics
observed the comprehensive thermal performance for microfin tubes of CO2/oil mixtures inside a horizontal microfin tube and that in a
calculated by HTC per unit pressure drop was higher than that for smooth tube with 3 mm diameter. The HTC displayed a strong depen
smooth tube at low mass fluxes, which decreases with increasing mass dence on heat flux for both smooth tube and microfin tube due to the
dominant effect of nucleate boiling. Similar features were shown for
14
Fig. 8. Comparison of between experimental flow boiling HTC for R134a and R410a in microfin tube and that in smooth tube.
Fig. 9. Geometrical features of a microfin tube.
both smooth and microfin tubes in the case of CO2/oil mixtures. The Zhao et al. [97] measured the flow boiling HTC of R134a in filled
enhancement effect on the local HTC of the microfin tube appears tubes filled by a metal-foam. Result showed that the HTC of metal-foam
notably at the higher vapor quality, higher mass velocity and lower oil filled tubes is approximately three times higher than that of plain tubes.
circulation ratio conditions. The higher mass velocity might result in For cases with different mass flow rates, the HTC exhibited different
greatly decrease of dryout quality for smooth tube. However, it shows behaviors as the vapor quality increasing due to changes of flow pat
rare effect on dryout quality for microfin tube. Then, Ono et al. [96] terns. Then, Lu and Zhao [98] developed a non-equilibrium heat transfer
compared the flow patterns of CO2/oil flow boiling in smooth tube and model based on the flow pattern changes, which was also verified by
that in microfin tube. Noted that flow pattern observations mainly experimental results. The overall HTC of the metal-foam tube increased
illustrate slug and wavy flow for the smooth tube, but annular flow for with relative density, pore density, mass flux or heat flux. Zhu et al. [99]
the microfin tube. For pure CO2, the HTC of microfin tube was always also investigated the flow boiling characteristics of refrigerant/oil
30~100% higher than that of smooth tube because the flow boiling is mixture in metal-foam tubes. Tests were conducted with mass flux
dominated by nucleate boiling mechanism. However, the enhancement ranging from 10~30 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1, heat flux ranging from 3.1~9.3
effect of the microfin tube might change rapidly with increasing mass kW⋅m− 2, inlet vapor quality ranging from 0.17~0.8 and oil concentra
velocity because the dominant boiling mechanism changed to convec tion ranging from 0~5%. Results revealed that the metal foam shows
tive evaporation. minor improvement on heat transfer at low mass flux conditions. When
applying high pores per inch (PPI) metal foam under high mass flux
condition, the two-phase HTC of pure refrigerant could be raised by
4.2. Enhancement by adding metal foams
185% maximumly. In contrast, the enhancement effect of metal foam
was mitigated at oil presence conditions, reaching a maximum of 180%
Porous materials are regarded as another kind of promising tech
on heat transfer augmentation. Hu et al. [100] reported the two-phase
nique for enhancing flow boiling heat transfer inside tubes. Due to the
pressure drop of refrigerant/oil mixture during flow boiling process in
large surface extension area, the metal foam can remarkably improve
the metal-foam filled tubes. The pressure drop might dramatically raise
the flow boiling HTC than conventional smooth tubes. However, the
with the increase of oil concentration, mass flux or vapor quality. The
pressure drop will be also severely raised due to its high flow resistance.
15
Table 7
Summary of experimental studies of refrigerant/oil flow boiling in microfin tubes.
References Working fluid Geometrical Operating conditions Correlations
parameters
Weise et al. [38] R447a (CO2)/ dout = 9.52 mm psat = 0.1~0.38 MPa NA
2017 oil din = 8.62 mm q = 2~120 kW⋅m− 2
H = 0.25 mm G = 75~500
γ = 30◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
β = 18◦ x = 0.1~0.9
ω = 1.3~3.0%
Han et al. [69] R161/oil dout = 7.0 mm Tsat = -5~8 ℃ F = 1 + 7196.74Bo1.16 + 1.51X−tt 0.86 S = 1 + 2.7F1.94 Re1.17
r,o,L
2017 din = 6.67 mm q = 11.76~52.94
H = 0.1 mm kW⋅m− 2
γ = 30◦ G = 100~250
β = 15◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
x = 0~0.9
ω = 0~5%
Han et al. [70] R1234yf/oil dout = 7.0 mm Tsat = 4.5 MPa NA
2013 din = 6.34 mm q = 4~12 kW⋅m− 2
H = 0.1 mm G = 100~400
γ = 34◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
β = 15◦ x = 0.2~1.0
ω = 0~5%
Ono et al. [96] R447a (CO2)/ dout = 4.8 mm Psat = 5 and 15 ℃ NA
2010 oil din = 3.75 mm q = 5~30 kW⋅m− 2
H = 0.11 mm G = 100~500
γ = 40◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
β = 12◦ x = 0.18~0.96
ω = 0~0.8%
Ding et al. [60] R410A/oil dout = 5.0 mm Tsat = 5 ℃ 0.256Re− 0.267
G2 ω2 L(1 + 1.892X0.587 )
2
tt
2009 din = 4.6 mm q = 7.46~14.92 Δp =
ρr,v dh
H = 0.14 mm kW⋅m− 2
γ = 40◦ G = 200~400
β = 18◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
x = 0.1~0.8
ω = 0~5.0%
Hu et al. [63] R410A/oil dout = 7.0 mm Tsat = 5 ℃ F = 1 + 33686.87Bo1.16 + 1.51X−tt 0.86 S = 1 + 2.53×10− 6 F1.489 Re1.17
r,o,L
2008 din = 6.5 mm q = 7.56~15.12
H = 0.18 mm kW⋅m− 2
γ = 40◦ G = 200~400
β = 18◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
x = 0.2~0.7
ω = 0~5.0%
( )c2 ( )c3
Zheng et al. [95] Ammonia/oil NA Tsat = –23.3~7.2 ℃ qdin ρf − ρg
Nu = ec1 Prc4 c1 = e5.8 c2 = 0.706 − 14.206pr + 94.888p2r +
2008 q = 10~60 kW⋅m− 2 kf Ts ρf
x = 0~0.4 3.53ω − 25.02ω2 c3 = − 32.94xin c4 = − 4.562
ω = 0~10.0%
Targanski and R407C/oil dout = 8.92 mm Tsat = 0 ℃ NA
Cieslinski [14] din = 8.0 mm q = NA
2007 H = 0.2 mm G = 250~500
γ = 48◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
β = 18◦ x = 0~0.7
ω = 0~5.0%
Gao and Honda [71] R447a (CO2)/ dout = 4.1 mm psat = 4.5 MPa NA
2007 oil din = 3.04 mm q = 5~30 kW⋅m− 2
H = 0.11 mm G = 190~1300
γ = 40.5◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
β = 12◦ x = 0.15~0.85
ω = 0.01~0.72%
Zurcher et al. [89] R407C/oil dout = 12.7 mm psat = 4.62 MPa NA
1998 din = 11.9 mm q = 2.3~13.5
H = 0.25 mm kW⋅m− 2
γ = NA G = 100~300
β = 18◦ kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
x = 0~1.0
ω = 0~5.0%
Nidegger et al. [27] R134a/oil dout = 12.7 mm Tsat = 4.44 ℃ NA
1997 din = 11.9 mm q = 0.5~10 kW⋅m− 2
H = 0.25 mm G = 100~300
γ = NA kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
β = 18◦ x = 0.2~0.6
ω = 0~5.0%
presence of oil could further increase the pressure drop by a maximum of metal-foam filled tubes inside tubes with diameters of 23.4 mm, 13.8
25% and 50% for 5 PPI and 10 PPI metal foams, respectively. and 7.9 mm. Fig. 10 illustrated the influence of tube diameter on heat
Hu et al. [101,102] also compared the heat transfer and pressure transfer and pressure drop characteristics of R410A/oil mixture flow
drop of refrigerant/oil flow boiling when applying 5 PPI and 10 PPI boiling at fixed mass flux (G = 90 kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1). As illustrated in Fig. 10
16
(a), the enhancement effect of metal-foam tube on two-phase HTC of and copper, metal oxides like alumina and silica, ceramic oxides like
refrigerant/oil flow boiling is jeopardized after reducing the tube Al2O3, metal carbides like SiC, carbon material like graphite and carbon
diameter because of the reduction of specific area. The HTC was reduced nanotubes and other materials [109]. Many researchers reviewed the
by 24~32% as the tube diameter decreasing from 23.4 mm to 13.8 mm, studies of nucleate pool boiling heat transfer with nanofluid [112–116].
which is further decreased within 10~42% as decreasing the tube The augmentation mechanism of nanoparticles can be attributed to the
diameter from 13.8 mm to 7.9 mm. As shown in Fig. 10(b), the pressure particle deposition [117], particle thermal properties [118] and surface
drops in metal-foam filled tube decreased rapidly due to the incomplete roughness [115]. The main reason suggesting heat transfer enhance
cells and randomly chopped ligaments nearby tube wall. when reducing ment is that the conductive HTC of solid particles performs greater order
the tube diameter from 13.8 mm to 7.9 mm, the maximum decrements of magnitude than that of pure fluids [119]. In addition, nanoparticles
of pressure drop might reach 22% and 35% for 5 PPI and 10 PPI metal- may also enhance the flow and thermal behavior of internal fluid by
foam filled tubes, respectively. On the other hand, new correlations for intensifying the interaction between fluid and wall, enhancing the fluid
predicting heat transfer and pressure drop were developed, showing turbulence and mixing and unifying the fluid temperature distribution
good agreement with the experimental data for different diameter tubes. [120]. Due to the more complicated flow and complex impacting pa
rameters, the fundamental regime and enhancement criteria are still
4.3. Effect of the application of nanofluid unclear. Table 8 summarizes experimental studies on flow boiling heat
transfer of pure refrigerants and refrigerant/oil mixtures with additive
Choi and Eastman [103] first reported the heat transfer enhancement nanoparticles.
effect of nanofluids. Since then, the utilization of nanofluid was Sun and Yang [121] measured the refrigerant flow boiling with
observed as an effective measure to improve heat transfer and energy nanoparticles of Cu, Al, Al2O3, and CuO. The nanoparticle mass fractions
efficiency of thermal management systems in various applications such ranged from 0.1% to 0.3%. The heat transfer enhancement was observed
as heat pipes [104,105], magnetic cooling [106], porous media appli by nanoparticle addition, which becomes more apparent with increasing
cation [107], refrigeration and heat pump systems [108]. Nanofluids are mass fraction, vapor quality and mass velocity. Meanwhile, the mass
usually comprised of a base fluid and nanoparticles [109–111]. Fig. 11 fraction of nanoparticle always showed dominant effect on the overall
illustrates the SEM image of virous nanoparticles. Common nano heat transfer coefficient. Result also showed that Cu particles indicate
particles include pure metals with chemically stable properties like gold the best promotion on heat transfer enhancement due to their higher
(a) Influence of tube diameter on two-phase HTC [101]
(b) Influence of tube diameter on pressure drop [102]

Fig. 10. Influence of tube diameter on two-phase HTC and pressure drop of refrigerant/oil mixtures.
17
thermal conductivity. Peng et al. [122] investigated the heat transfer (reaching by 54.7%) as oil mass fraction increases from 5% to 20% at
coefficient of R133 with CuO nanofluid during flow boiling process in 0.6% nanoparticle mass fraction. Besides, the refrigerant/oil/nano
side the horizontal smooth tube. Result showed that the HTC can be particles always showed higher migration ratio than the refrigerant/
maximumly enhanced by 29.7%. It was explained that the disturbance nanoparticles migration ratio under their testing conditions, indicating
of nanoparticles and the formation of molecular adsorption layer on that the nanoparticle circulation is promoted with the presence of
nanoparticle surfaces might be the cause of heat transfer enhancement. lubricant oil.
Besides, a correlation was proposed to predict the HTC, and the pre On the contrary, some literatures reported the HTC deterioration was
dictions agreed with 93% of the experimental data within the deviation found even small nanoparticle concentration is applied. However,
of 20%. Sheikholeslami et al. [123] studied the influence of refrigerant limited mechanism was proposed to explain the nanofluid boiling heat
mass flow rate, vapor quality and mass fraction of CuO on flow boiling transfer degradation. Kedzierski [127] attributed the heat transfer
HTC in a flattened tube. A thinner liquid film could be found during degradation to the smaller cavities due to the nanoparticles dispersed in
annular flow boiling when implementing a flattened tube instead of a the lubricant excess layer. White et al. [128] explained the deterioration
round one. It was explained by calculation of Young-Laplace equation, of nanoparticles on HTC from experiments of pool boiling on a rough
indicating that the capillary pressure at the corners of flattened tubes is ened surface. The flow patterns indicated that the suspended nano
about 2.5 times higher than that in the round tube. Additionally, the particles lead to suppression of bubble nucleation and transport in the
height of flow channel which significantly impacts the HTC was also base fluid which counteracted the enhancement effect. Patra et al. [129]
introduced in their correlations as well as the typical used parameters explained that the deposition of nanoparticles provided thermal resis
such as vapor quality and mass flux. Morshed et al. [117] experimentally tance to heat transfer even at higher nanoparticle concentration in base
investigated the flow boiling performance of ethanol-based alumina fluid. Meanwhile, the decrease in the effective thermal conductivity of
nanofluid in microchannel. Results obtained with nanoparticles depos the nanofluid might result in a decrease in heat transfer performance
ited surfaces displayed pronounced improvement on the critical heat [118]. Deokar and Cremaschi [130,131] compared two kinds of nano
flux by up to 39% in comparison to that in the microchannel with bare particles including ZnO and Al2O3 in the R410a/lubricant mixture for
surface. The HTC in both single-phase and two-phase regions was enhancing the flow boiling heat transfer at fixed oil concentration of
marginally reduced with a critical rise of heat flux. This is because the 2.4%. Result showed that the additive of nanoparticles deteriorates the
nanoparticle coating might facilitate liquid flow under the vapor bubble, HTC of R410a/oil mixture by about 20% at vapor qualities below 0.5.
delaying the formation of the vapor blanket over the copper surface. Simultaneously, the presence of nanoparticles lowered the pressure drop
Some researchers investigated and discussed the enhancement by about 20~30% with respect to R410a/POE oil mixture. Meanwhile,
mechanism of refrigerant/oil/nanoparticles mixture from aspects of R410a/POE/Al2O3 mixture had an average of 15% higher HTC than
thermal property and flow pattern changes. Henderson et al. [124] R410a/POE/ZnO mixture. This was explained that the relocation of the
observed that HTC enhancement can reach by about 50%~101% for Al2O3 closer to the inner wall of the tube could support more pro
R134a/POE/CuO mixture compared to R134a/POE with an insignifi nounced enhancement. Noticed that the measured pressure loss of
cant effect on the pressure drop. However, for the R134a/POE/SiO2 R410a/POE/Al2O3 was lower than R410a/POE mixture even though it
mixture, the HTC reduced by 55% below the R134a/POE mixture due to has higher viscosity.
unstable nanoparticle suspension. Baqeri et al. [125] experimental In this regard, the fundamental mechanisms of heat transfer
studied the flow boiling heat transfer of R600a/oil with CuO nano enhancement or deterioration by nanoparticles are still not clear. For
particle mixtures. Results obtained by measuring pure refrigerant R- refrigerant/oil flow boiling, the effect of the nanoparticle shape,
600a were compared with Gungor-Winterton’s Correlation within an dimension and concentration should be considered with combinations
acceptable error [92]. Then, the refrigerant/oil flow boiling with 1% of channel structure, oil type and concentration and operating condi
mass fraction of polyester lubricant oil was regarded as the baseline tions of vapor quality, heat flux and mass velocity. Then, enhancement
data, and the enhancement of HTC reached 4.56%, 18.25% and 32.59%, or deterioration criteria should be developed based on various flow
respectively, by adding 0.5%, 1.0 and 1.5% mass fractions of CuO regimes.
nanoparticles. Furthermore, the flow boiling HTC will reach the
maximum value when increasing the mass fraction of nanoparticles to 5. Summary
2.0% regardless of mass fraction of lubricant oil ranging from 0.5% to
2.0%. When further increasing the mass fraction of nanoparticles up to This paper provides an overview of experimental studies of oil effect
5%, the HTC was reversely reduced by 7.94% with respect to the on refrigerant flow boiling process. Refrigerants with low GWP and null
baseline which can be attributed to the aggregation and settling down ODP such as R32, R290, R410a, R1234fa, ammonia, CO2, etc., are
the nanoparticles. Lin et al. [126] quantitatively evaluated the refrig emphasized and additives of mineral and ester oils are applied consid
erant/oil migration ratio of TiO2 nanoparticles during refrigerant dryout ering the oil retention characteristics. The features of flow regimes of
process. The oil mass fraction ranged from 5~20%, nanoparticle mass refrigerant/oil mixtures in macro-scale and that in mini- and micro-scale
fraction of 0.2~1.0%, and heat flux of 10~100 kW⋅m− 2. Result showed flow channels are respectively concluded in this review. The influence
that the mixture/oil migration ratio increases from 0.616 to 0.953 parameters such as mass velocity, heat flux, vapor quality, saturation
(a) SiO2 [142] (b) Al2O3 [129] (c) TiO2 [126]

Fig. 11. SEM image of virous nanoparticles.
18
Table 8
Summary of experimental studies of refrigerant flow boiling with nanoparticles.
References Tube inner Working Type, size and Operating Proposed correlations or data comparison
diameter fluid mass fraction range conditions
(mm) of nanoparticle (kW⋅m− 2)
Deokar and 9.5 R410a/ ZnO and Al2O3 G = 100~200 Experimental data showed good agreement with predicted correlations suggested by
Cremaschi oil 68 nm and 125 nm kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 Panek et al. [140] for convective boiling of pure R-134a.
[130,131] 0.05–0.5% q = 15 kW⋅m− 2
2020 x = 0.25–0.75%
ω = 2.4%
Shafee et al. [141] 8.7 R600a/ CuO G = 54.6–265.4 Δp = 3.9 + 2.21H* + 2.1x + 2.32G + 0.048 + 1.8 × 10− 3 Gw + 1.29GH* +
oil 0~1.0% kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 0.035wH* + 0.97Gx + 0.0074wx + 0.88H* x + 78H*2
q = 15 kW⋅m− 2
x = 0.14–0.82%
ω = 0.5~1.5%
Sheikholeslami 8.7 R600a CuO G= h = 4772.6 + 1517.3H* + 2083.9x + 1723.2G + 287.71w + 918.76H* x +
et al. [123] 40 nm 154.6~265.4 511.6GH* + 104.25wH* + 1654.2Gx − 28.87wx + 34.87Gw − 47H*2 + 68.84w2
2019 0–1.0% kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
Q = 3.0 kW
x = 0.14–0.82%
Sanukrishna et al. 12.7 R134a/ SiO2 G = 34 and 47 An enhancement factor was defined between the HTC of refrigerant/oil/nanoparticle
[142] oil 14,26 nm kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 mixture and the refrigerant/oil mixture, comparing to correlations suggested by
2019 0–0.8% q = 0.45~5.0 Panek et al. [140].
kW⋅m− 2
x = 0–0.5%
ω = 2.0%
Sheikholeslami 8.6 R600a/ CuO G= h = 6.34 − 0.067G + 4.56x + 0.017w + 0.018Gx − 6.11 × 10− 3 Gw + 0.64wx +
et al. [143] oil 40 nm 154.6~265.4 1.84 × 10− 4 G2 − 3.91x2 − 1.48w2 Δp = − 1.65 + 0.02G − 2.93x − 0.26w +
2018 0.5~1.5% kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 0.053Gx − 1.15 × 10− 3 Gw + 0.14wx − 4.81 × 10− 5 G2 − 1.7x2 + 0.29w2
Q = 3.0 kW
x = 0.1–0.82%
ω = 1.0%
Lin et al. [126] 40 and R141b/ TiO2 G= The mixture-to-oil migration ratio (Ro) and the mixture-to-vapor migration ratio (RV)
2017 100 oil 60 nm 154.6~265.4 were proposed.
0.2~1.0% kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 kAmo mn,V
R0 = RV =
q = 10~100 (109.16 − kA)mn mn
kW⋅m− 2
x = 0.1–0.82%
ω = 5~20%
Baqeri et al. [125] 9.5 R600a/ CuO G = 50– 700 Error band was shown between − 9% to + 20% compared with those predicted by the
2014 oil 40 nm kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 Gungur–Winterton correlation [92].
0–5.0% q = 3–6 kW⋅m− 2
x = 0~0.25
Sun and Yang 10.0 R141b Cu, Al, Al2O3 and G = 120–330 Experimental data were compared to correlations proposed by Chen et al. [144].
[121] CuO kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
2014 40 nm x = 0.3–0.8
0.1–0.3%
Henderson et al. 7.9 R134a/ SiO2 G = 100~400 Results were compared to predictions by Panek et al. [140].
[124] oil kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1
2010 q = 0.69~16.17
kW⋅m− 2
x = 0~0.28
{ [ ( ) ]}
Peng et al. [122] 8.12 R133 CuO G = 100–200 λn ρ cp n
2009 40 nm kg⋅m− 2⋅s− 1 hr,n = FHT hr FHT = exp φ 0.8 − 39.94 ( ) − 0.028G − 733.26x(1 − x)
λn,L ρcp r,L
0–0.5% q = 3.08–6.16
kW⋅m− 2
x = 0.2–0.7
temperature, oil concentration, foaming behavior, refrigerant/oil As the result, microfin tubes can provide high HTC and yield low pres
miscibility and thermal properties on two-phase HTC and pressure drop sure drop penalty when the ratio of fin height to liquid film thickness is
characteristics are comprehensively considered and discussed. Major unified. It is possible to provide a triple times higher HTC by applying
conclusions and applicable measurement ranges reported in existed microfin tubes compared to a smooth tube while the pressure drops
literatures subject to the flow channel scale are also summarized. It can raised 1.2~1.8 times higher. Moreover, the lubricant oil showed more
be concluded that the oil concentration and retention become the vital significant influence due to its stronger retention effect inside the sur
factors for HTC enhancement or deterioration while the running con face structure of microfin tube. Metal-foam tubes can also remarkably
ditions like vapor quality and heat flux are the main concerns for pure improve the flow boiling HTC than conventional smooth tubes due to
refrigerant flow boiling. Meanwhile, available correlations for predict the large surface extension area. However, the pressure drop will yield a
ing the two-phase HTC and pressure drop of refrigerant/oil mixtures rapid rise because of the high flow resistance. It was also reported that
flow boiling inside horizontal flow channels are summarized in terms of the heat transfer enhancement is severely jeopardized with the presence
introducing multipliers to correct pure refrigerant flow boiling or single- of lubricant oil. On the other hand, the utilization of nanofluid
phase refrigerant/oil flow boiling correlations. comprised of pure particles with chemically stable properties can
Then, experimental investigations on heat transfer augmentation improve heat transfer because nanofluid possesses higher conductivity
techniques by introducing microfin tube, metal-foam tube and nano and exhibits better fluid turbulence than pure refrigerants. Researchers
particles are reviewed for better comprehensive thermal performance. have attributed the enhancement mechanism of refrigerant/oil/
19
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Declaration of Competing Interest [25] C.B. Tibirica, G. Ribatski, Flow boiling heat transfer of R134a and R245fa in a 2.3
mm tube, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 53 (2010) 2459–2468.
[26] W.-T. Ji, D.-C. Zhang, N. Feng, J.-F. Guo, M. Numata, G. Xi, W.-Q. Tao, Nucleate
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial Pool Boiling Heat Transfer of R134a and R134a-PVE Lubricant Mixtures on
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence Smooth and Five Enhanced Tubes, Journal of Heat Transfer-Transactions of the
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Applied Thermal Engineering 196 (2021) 117270

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Applied Thermal Engineering

A review on experimental investigations of refrigerant/oil mixture flow

capacity of refrigeration/oil mixture and the increased compressor

Nomenclature PAG polyalkylene glycol

HCFC hydrochlorofluorocarban μ viscosity, Pa⋅s− 1

channel scales. Additionally, the flow boiling of refrigerant/oil mixtures

their physical significances. In section 4, the flow boiling characteristics

2. Overview of oil effect on refrigerant flow boiling regimes

2.1. Development of pure refrigerant flow boiling in the recent decade

2.1.1. Comparison of sustainable refrigerants

R134a 102 665.4 1206.7 32.4 194.9 177.8 8.1 1300 0

Fixed G = 250 kg·m-2·s-1 and q = 10 kW·m-2 Fixed x = 0.13 and q = 10 kW·m-2

Dispersed bubbles at x = 0.1 Dispersed bubbles at G = 300 kg·m-2·s-1

Slug flow at x = 0.15 Slug-bubbly flow at G = 400 kg·m-2·s-1

Churn flow at x = 0.25 Annular flow at G = 600 kg·m-2·s-1

Annular flow at x = 0.4 Annular flow at G = 700 kg·m-2·s-1

Heat transfer coefficient (W·m-2·K-1)

R245fa G = 1,000 kg·m-2·s -1

Intermittent Dryout Mist Vapor

Oil type Kinematic Density Specific Conductivity Standard

POE at 32 981 – – 250

(b) Schematic of refrigerant and oil

Table 3 Table 3 (continued )

Table 3 (continued ) Table 3 (continued )

reduced the HTC, for the convective boiling

Guo et al. [34] 10 10~20 ℃ 100~300 0.95~4.95 6~24 0~1.0

(b) phase separation effect of oil in refrigerant R447A [34].

Jige et al. [32] 1 mm R32 15℃ 50~400 0~3.7 5~40 0~1.0

Fig. 9. Geometrical features of a microfin tube.

(a) Influence of tube diameter on two-phase HTC [101]

(b) Influence of tube diameter on pressure drop [102]

(a) SiO2 [142] (b) Al2O3 [129] (c) TiO2 [126]

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