An experimental analysis of the effect of dissolved gas on pool boiling

The presence of non-condensable gases (NCGs) is typically considered detrimental to the performance of passive two-phase ooling systems. However, their specific impact on thermal performance, particularly on vapor bubble nucleation, remains unclear. This study presents pool boiling experiments conducted in an alumina chamber filled with degassed deionized water and mirror-polished copper samples, with varying concentrations of diluted oxygen. The first nucleation event is recorded, and key thermal parameters such as the onset nucleate boiling temperature TONB, and the critical heat flux CHF are measured for standard comparison of pool boiling behavior. The study explores the hypothesis that gas nanobubbles may act as nuclei for vapor bubble formation.