Pressure equalization approach for flow uniformity in microreactor with parallel channels

Flow Physics of Planar Bistable Fluidic Oscillator with Backflow Limbs

Fluidic oscillators (FOs) are used in a variety of applications, including process control and process intensification. Despite the simple design and operation of FOs, the fluid dynamics of FOs exhibit rich complexities. The inherently unstable flow, jet oscillations, and resulting vortices influence mixing and other transport processes. In this work, we computationally investigated the fluid dynamics of a new design of a planar FO with backflow limbs. The design comprised of two symmetric backflow limbs leading to bistable flow. The unsteady flow dynamics, internal recirculation, jet oscillations, secondary flow vortices were computationally studied over a range of inlet Reynolds numbers (2400-12,000). The nature and frequency of the jet oscillations were quantified. The computed jet oscillation frequency was compared with the experimentally measured (using imaging techniques) jet oscillation frequency. The flow model was then used to quantitatively understand mixing, heat transfer, and residence time distribution. The approach and the results presented in this work will provide a basis for designing FO's with desired flow and transport characteristics for various engineering applications.

Numbering-up of capillary microreactors for homogeneous processes and its application in free radical polymerization

Different numbered-up capillary microreactor systems were assembled with commercially available parts for homogeneous processes with significant variation of fluid properties (e.g., free radical polymerization), and statistical analysis was performed to reveal its flow distribution performance.