Numerical Simulation of Solidification Process for Biological Colloids

The goal of this study is optimization of equipment for solidification of biological colloids through application of computer simulation using finite volume method. The optimization criterion is the optimal temperature gradient within the tested sample which results in the uniform heat flow in one direction, undisturbed by additional heat sources. Optimization parameters are geometry, materials and cooling conditions. The numerical model was composed of one cell from a multi-well plate in which a copper wire of variable thickness was placed, what allowed to increase thermal conductivity. Depending on the tested variant of the finite volume model, different angles of copper insert were tested. Optimum results for temperatures below − 80 °C were achieved with a copper rod mounted at an angle of 15°. The work allowed to choose an optimal variant of the developed numerical model of a cell, which was then compared with the data obtained in the experiment.