Micromixing enhanced by pulsating flows

We consider the micromixing enhancement by pulsating flows. Dimensionless governing equations and boundary conditions were developed for T-type micromixers with two inlet pulsating flows. The problem involves a set of parameters. Three key dimensionless parameters are identified: the Reynolds number, the Strouhal number, and the disturbance amplitude. Suitable Strouhal number or disturbance amplitude causes symmetrical meniscus-shape mixing interfaces, separating the whole mixing channel into a set of segments. Thus uniform exit species concentration can be reached. Too large or too small Strouhal number or disturbance amplitude yields the meniscus-shape mixing interfaces deviating from the centerline of the mixing channel, deteriorating the mixing performance. The optimized disturbance amplitude is increased with increases in Strouhal numbers. Low Reynolds number needs larger disturbance amplitude.

Pressure drops of single and two-phase flows through T-type microchannel mixers

In this paper, preliminary experimental results are presented on pressure drop characteristics of single and two-phase flows through two T-type rectangular microchannel mixers with hydraulic diameters of 528 and 333 mum, respectively. It is shown that both N-2 and water single-phase laminar flows in microchannels, with consideration of experimental uncertainties, are consistent with classic theory, if additional effects, such as entrance effects that will interfere with the interpretation of experimental results, are eliminated by carefully designing the experiments. The obtained pressure drop data of N-2-water two-phase flow in micromixers are analyzed and compared with existing flow pattern-independent models. It is found that the Lockhart-Martinelli method generally underpredicts the frictional pressure drop. Thereafter, a modified correlation of C value in the Chisholm's equation based on linear regression of experimental data is proposed to provide a better prediction of the two-phase frictional pressure drop. Also among the homogeneous flow models investigated, the viscosity correlation of McAdams indicates the best performance in correlating the frictional pressure drop data (mean deviations within +/-20% for two micromixers both). Finally it is suggested that systematic studies are still required to accurately predict two-phase frictional performance in microchannels. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tetraethylortossilicate plasma thin film with hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics: Use on passive mixers

This work aims to obtain plasma thin film composites with hydrophobic/hydrophilic alternated regions, which are useful for the production of miniaturized mixers. These regions were acquired by two different strategies: either the codeposition of TEOS and HFE plasma thin films or the exposition of TEOS plasma films to ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVC). These films were characterized by several chemical and physical techniques. The refractive indexes vary from 1.4 to 1.7; infrared and photoelectron spectroscopy detect Si-O-Si and CHn species. Silicone-like structures with high or low number of amorphous carbon microparticles and with fluorinated organic clusters were produced. Cluster dimensions were in the 1-5 mm range and they are made of graphite or COF (carbon/oxygen/fluorine) compounds. Scanning electron and optical microscopy showed rough surfaces. Water contact angles were 90º; however, for TEOS films that value changed after 6 hr of UVC exposure. Moreover, after UV exposure, organic polar compounds could be adsorbed in those films and water was not. The passive mixer performance was simulated using the FemLab 3.2® program and was tested with 20 nm thick films on a silicon wafer, showing the capacity of these films to be used in such devices.