Process for treating and/or forming a non-newtonian fluid using microchannel process technology

Abstract

The disclosed invention relates to a process, comprising: conducting unit operations in at least two process zones in a process microchannel to treat and / or form a non-Newtonian fluid, a different unit operation being conducted in each process zone; and applying an effective amount of shear stress to the non-Newtonian fluid to reduce the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid in each process zone, the average shear rate in one process zone differing from the average shear rate in another process zone by a factor of at least about 1.2.

Description

[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 793,519, filed April 20, 2006. The disclosure of this provisional application is incorporated herein by reference. technical field [0002] The invention relates to a method for processing and / or forming non-Newtonian fluids using microchannel technology. Background technique [0003] Non-Newtonian fluids are liquids whose viscosity changes with changes in shear stress or shear rate. Non-Newtonian fluids may comprise polymers, polymer solutions, emulsions, multiphase liquid mixtures, and the like. These non-Newtonian fluids find use in pharmaceuticals, adhesives, foods, personal care products, coating compositions, and the like. The problem involved in dealing with non-Newtonian fluids in microchannels is that when non-Newtonian fluids flow at high flow rates, high velocity gradients are created on the microchannel walls. This will cause high apparent visco...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The problem involved in dealing with non-Newtonian fluids in microchannels is that when non-Newtonian fluids flow at high flow rates, high velocity gradients are created on the microchannel walls

This will cause high apparent viscosity and high pressure drop in the microchannel

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