Micro-channel Mixer with Tapering Portion for Immiscible Fluid Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional micro-channel reaction apparatuses face limitations in achieving effective mixing of immiscible fluids due to laminar flow, lack of pressure resistance, and inefficient heat transfer, which hinders their application in gas-liquid reactions and high-endothermic/exothermic processes, and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A micro-channel reaction apparatus with a mixing device featuring a tapering and flared portion that generates a mixed jet flow by directing fluids through a tapering portion with a contract ratio of inner diameter from 0.1 to 0.75, enhancing fluid mixing and reaction efficiency by creating shearing forces and repeated collision frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional micro-channel structure is used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the mixing of immiscible fluids is ineffective due to laminar flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic flow path design with a contraction section and expansion section that creates turbulent flow conditions. The contraction ratio (0.1 to 0.75) and expansion ratio (0.25 to 2.0) are optimized to generate repeated expansion and contraction effects, transforming the static laminar flow into dynamic turbulent flow that enhances mixing of immiscible fluids while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow regime parameter from laminar to turbulent by introducing specific geometric parameters: contraction ratio (0.1 to 0.75) and expansion ratio (0.25 to 2.0). These parameter changes create the necessary flow conditions for effective mixing while keeping the overall structure relatively simple for manufacturing
2Productivity
If a glass material micro-channel structure is used, then the mixing effect is improved, but the pressure resistance and heat transfer coefficient are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to metal, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. Metal materials provide superior pressure resistance and heat transfer coefficients while still allowing the implementation of the contraction-expansion flow path geometry needed for effective mixing of immiscible fluids
3Productivity
If a micro-channel structure with special flow path is used, then the mixing and reaction efficiency is improved, but the structure becomes more complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into distinct functional sections: contraction section, expansion section, and mixing section. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that is feasible to manufacture, balancing complexity with performance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively intensifies the mixing of immiscible fluids, increases reaction rates, and reduces reaction time, while being more cost-effective and suitable for various materials, improving the efficiency and scalability of micro-channel technology.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing fluid mixing and reaction efficiency by creating shearing forces and repeated collision frequencies
Implementation Method 2
turbulence is the key factor to promote the mixing of different fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-channel reaction apparatus includes a first mixing device and a first jetting device. The first mixing device includes a first inflow channel and a second inflow channel respectively used to direct a first fluid and a second fluid into the micro-channel reaction apparatus. The first jetting device includes a first tapering portion and a first flared portion, wherein one end of the first tapering portion is connected to the first inflow channel and the second inflow channel; another end of the first tapering portion is connected to the first flared portion; and the first tapering portion has a contract ratio of inner diameter ranging from 0.1 to 0.75.