Hi,

That's a very good explanation for most of the conditions that go on inside an engine.

You are saying its basis is thermodynamics in action.
Heat goes or travels to cold. It is the action of equilibrium as the energy in molecules is seeking to be at rest and would do it, at absolute zero!

Ever noticed ice cubes in your freezers ice bin and that the oldest are a lot smaller over time.
There is still heat in the water that makes up ice.
The evaporator in the refrigerator/ freezer is still colder than the ice will ever get by a few degrees. You see heat is always trying to get in that space.
In order to remove heat that gets in there, there has to be a temperature gradient maintained.
So as we try to keep heat out of the ice, that is really evaporating that water as a portion of that heat energy moves to absence of heat energy.

I worked on an experimental contraption for the Air Force many moons ago. The company I worked for made cryogenic vacuum lines for rocket fuel transfer.
This was an encasement with several sets of helium pumps arranged in cascade order to reduce a chamber within to absolute zero in temperature.
We got really really close according to a scientist from the Vandenberg Air Force base. I was later told by him that in a conclusion that energy was still getting in no matter the amount of vacuum, lead shields or some thin fiberglass sheets, made like wagon wheels to conduct less heat in from the shell. I drilled down through the narrow spokes to carry in some very thin power conductors.

This was one of many experiments to find what we are now calling today ... a Neutrino!
The last I knew, they are working in a deep mine shaft up in Idaho or Montana to detect them going through the earths center. Using optic sensors for radiation.
Figures to me, it was radiation, after rubbing elbows with those scientists.

Those many kinds of Hot vapors in our engines will be attracted by a colder space to go reside.
That accordion tube or hose in question is really thin and can quickily attract those vapors from the crankcase blow by.
Especially, since the flame trap hooks right at the top portion of this engine. There the thinnest or least amount of oil vapors are transmitted by piston motion and heat convection. It then condenses into the volutes of that long hose. Maybe some goes back in over time?

Believe it or not there are cold spots in an engine. Mostly the inside corners that will get an extra coating of sludge, varnish or coking. We see more of this as our engines are get older with build up despite the best detergent oils.
In many cases these looks like very light stains in the oil caps bottom side.

It's life, that with all we build and learn, there is something more to learn or ponder!
Phil