Article
Engineering, Chemical
Wei Zhang, Feng Yao, Wei-feng Li, Hai-feng Liu, Fu-chen Wang
Summary: This study investigates the flow and mixing in cross-shaped mixers using experimental and numerical methods. The results show that different flow patterns occur with increasing Reynolds number, and vortices play a significant role in the dynamic evolution. The ratio of chamber depth to inlet height affects the flow type and mixing efficiency.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shakhawat Hossain, Nass Toufiq Tayeb, Farzana Islam, Mosab Kaseem, P. D. H. Bui, M. M. K. Bhuiya, Muhammad Aslam, Kwang-Yong Kim
Summary: The optimum configuration of a micromixer with two-layer crossing microstructure was determined using mixing analysis, surrogate modeling, and an optimization algorithm, resulting in a 32.0% enhancement in mixing index compared to the reference design. Three design variables were considered, and the design space was constrained through a primary parametric study before choosing optimal designs surrounded by design constraints using Latin hypercube sampling.
Article
Mechanics
Xiaoping Wang, Huanying Xu, Haitao Qi
Summary: This paper numerically studies the mixing performance of an expansive mixer on viscoelastic solutions under the impact of an alternating current (AC) electric field. The mixing efficiency, concentration distribution, and average outlet velocity are analyzed to understand the performance. The results show that the mixing efficiency of the mixer decreases with higher polymer concentrations but increases with stronger AC electric field strengths. The influence of AC and direct current (DC) electric fields is compared, with AC electric fields leading to a larger mixing efficiency at low polymer concentrations. The study also discusses the influence of model parameters on average outlet velocity and concentration distribution.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Rana Altay, Abuzer Alp Yetisgin, Kaan Erdem, Ali Kosar
Summary: This study evaluates the mixing performance of five-loop spiral polydimethylsiloxane micromixers with spiral structures and elliptical structures. The elliptical spiral microchannels were able to provide high mixing indices up to 98% at a Reynolds number of 20, showing passive control over mixing performance at various locations along the microchannel.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Aarathi Pradeep, Bipin G. Nair, P. Suneesh, T. G. Satheesh Babu
Summary: Incorporating ridges in pressure-driven Y-type micromixers greatly enhances mixing efficiency, reduces mixing time and length. The impact of ridge geometry and arrangement has been extensively studied for optimal design. The compact, easy-to-operate micromixer can be integrated with other microfluidic components for real-time applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dariush Bahrami, Morteza Bayareh
Summary: A novel spiral micromixer with sinusoidal channel walls was designed to enhance mixing performance, showing a significant increase in mixing index compared to a simple spiral micromixer through numerical simulations and experimental validation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Zheng, Mingyu Fang, Wanqun Chen, Dehong Huo, Haitao Li
Summary: Surface textures have a significant impact on surface-functional properties, offering an alternative method for precise control of microfluidic flows. This study investigates the modulation ability of fish-scale surface textures on microfluidic flow behavior based on previous research on vibration machining-induced surface wettability variation. By modifying the wall of the microchannel at the T-junction with different surface textures, a microfluidic directional flow function is proposed. The experimental results demonstrate that the fish-scale surface textures generated by vibration-assisted micromilling can achieve directional liquid flow within a specific input pressure range and greatly improve the mixing efficiency of microfluidics.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Paritosh Agnihotri
Summary: Maintaining the stability of the interfacial mixing zone is crucial for micro-engineering and nano-technological applications. The width of the interfacial mixing zone is essential for various applications such as nanoparticle separation, chemical reactions, and cell sorting. Flow patterns and flow rates in microfluidic devices play a significant role in influencing the interfacial mixing zone.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
George Tomaras, Chandrasekhar R. Kothapalli, Petru S. Fodor
Summary: Computational fluid dynamics modeling was used to study the effect of integrating constrictions defined by hyperbolic vertices on the flow structure in microfluidic serpentine channels. The new topology combines Dean flows, elongational flows, and asymmetric longitudinal eddies, resulting in a complex flow structure that promotes enhanced mixing. Optimization of the geometrical parameters of the constrictions allows for the development of an efficient micromixer topology with robust performance across a wide range of Reynolds numbers.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Robab Jahangir, Iqra Munir, Gurkan Yesiloz
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using a customized microfluidic chip, with glycerol as a green solvent and reducing agent. The results show that by varying different parameters, spherical nanoparticles with an average ultrasmall particle diameter of <2 nm can be obtained at all glycerol concentrations (10-80%), compared to batch synthesis. The microfluidic technique was found to significantly affect the synthesis of ultrasmall and homogeneous nanoparticles in a single step, using an environmentally friendly solvent.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Xueye Chen, Shufen Liu, Yao Chen, Shouxin Wang
Summary: This review discusses the recent progress in droplet micromixers, covering passive and active types. The design, simulation, fabrication, and application of various droplet micromixers are detailed and analyzed. The paper serves as a valuable reference for designers researching droplet micromixers for different applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Katherine Wilson, Lauren Briens
Summary: Powder mixing is a crucial and complex process in various industries. This study explores the potential of using passive acoustic emissions to monitor the mixing process. Vibration profiles correlated with specific phases of particle motion provide reliable information on particle movement.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ingrid H. Oevreeide, Andreas Zoellner, Bjorn T. Stokke
Summary: Functionalized sensor surfaces integrated with microfluidic channels are increasingly crucial for efficient biosensing devices, especially for small sample volumes. By incorporating novel double curved passive mixing structures (DCMS), the performance of the devices can be significantly improved by enhancing analyte mass transfer. The study revealed that DCMS is a high-performing passive micromixer with a wide range of mixing index values, although the sensitivity to geometric parameter values requires careful selection for optimal mixing efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ruben R. Lopez, Luz-Maria Sanchez, Anas Alazzam, Julia V. Burnier, Ion Stiharu, Vahe Nerguizian
Summary: The shape and dimensions of a micromixer are crucial for the mixing efficiency, which can be quantified accurately using numerical and experimental models. The results from the two methods showed high similarity, demonstrating their reliability and effectiveness in evaluating micromixer performance.
Article
Thermodynamics
Eduardo Henrique Taube Cunegatto, Flavia Schwarz Franceschini Zinani, Cesare Biserni, Luiz Alberto Oliveira Rocha
Summary: The high-performance designs of passive micromixers with multiple obstacles were achieved by combining the Constructal Design method with the Response Surface Optimization method and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). CFD simulations were used to investigate the effects of the vertical and horizontal distances of obstacles on the mixing percentage, pressure difference, and mixing energy cost. The results showed that increasing the number of obstacles improved the mixing percentage but also increased the pressure drop. The vertical distance of the obstacles had a larger impact on mixing, while both distances affected the pressure drop.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Zuo, Bosong Zhang, Tonghui Li, Miao Zhang, Jialin Fan, Min Liu, Junbo Xu, Chao Yang, Hong Yang, Xinwen Guo
Summary: A monolithic titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) catalyst with a specially designed stainless-steel support demonstrated excellent catalytic stability and reusability in 1-butene epoxidation. The stainless-steel support effectively dissipates the high reaction heat, limiting the local temperature-rise within the reactor.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chenlu Wang, Guangyong Liu, Renqiang Cao, Yu Xia, Yanlei Wang, Yi Nie, Chao Yang, Hongyan He
Summary: This study investigates the wetting processes of Li+-doped ionic liquids (ILs) on a TiO2-B(10 0) surface using molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that the doping of Li+ changes the orientation of ILs, weakens the ILs-substrate interaction, and significantly slows down the wetting process. As the Li+ concentration increases, the contact angle increases, indicating a transition from hydrophilic to hydrophobic behavior. On the other hand, heating reduces the contact angle. These results demonstrate that the strong adsorption of Li+ at the interface dominates the wetting process of Li+-doped ILs.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yishu Yan, Junbo Xu, Shenglan Liu, Min Wang, Chao Yang
Summary: Using ReaxFF molecular dynamics, the thermostability of cross-linked and non-cross-linked phenolic was compared to study the effect of cross-linked and branched structures on the pyrolysis mechanism. The results indicate that phenolic tends to break into low-boiling molecules with less than 4 carbon atoms and polymerizes into macromolecules with more than 1500 carbon atoms during pyrolysis. The findings suggest that phenolic resin with high degree of crosslinking and branching has better thermostability and preserves its carbon skeleton more effectively.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yinxiang Xu, Junbo Xu, Huizhou Liu, Chao Yang
Summary: Pumping fluids at the nanoscale is crucial for nanofluidic systems. This study demonstrates the possibility of using non-uniform electric fields to induce continuous and unidirectional net flow of water confined in nanochannels through molecular dynamics simulations and the extended Navier-Stokes (ENS) equation. The net flow is a result of the combination of the unidirectional orientation of water molecules and the net force induced by the electric field intensity difference. Higher flow rates can be achieved by enhancing the electric field intensity gradients. The ordered arrangements of water molecules in electric fields make electropumping more effective than pressure-driven flow. The proposed ENS equation is more applicable to flows with high order degree of water molecules.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shihao Ding, Qinglin Yin, Qi He, Xin Feng, Chao Yang, Xiahui Gui, Yaowen Xing
Summary: Hydrophobic fine particles improve froth stability and increase the recovery of coarse particles. However, the exact mechanism behind this phenomenon and the effect of fine particles on bubble-particle interactions are still unknown.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhuotai Jia, Shuaifeng Zhang, Mengke Guo, Lele Xu, Qinghua Zhang, Chao Yang
Summary: In this study, the gas dispersion and transport characteristics of three different disc turbines (PDT, SPDT, and SFPDT) were investigated through experiments and two-fluid model/RANS simulations. The superior power characteristics of SFPDT and SPDT were explained using pressure distribution and drag force coefficient. Gas-liquid performance parameters were evaluated under various conditions, indicating that SFPDT and SPDT produce smaller flow separation regions and trailing vortices, resulting in smaller gas cavities. Both SFPDT and SPDT have higher gas-liquid mass transfer efficiency and around 7% higher gassed power input than PDT under aeration conditions.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lele Xu, Zhuotai Jia, Mengke Guo, Zai-Sha Mao, Yiqun Fan, Qinghua Zhang, Chao Yang
Summary: A V-shaped punched baffle (VSPB) is developed to enhance fluid mixing in a stirred tank. Experimental results show that VSPB reduces mixing time by a maximum of 23% and 14.7% compared to standard baffles (SB) and standard punched baffles (SPB) at low speeds. Simulation results demonstrate that the punched baffle significantly increases fluid velocity and turbulence in the baffle region, forming tiny vortices.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuanyuan Hui, Xin Feng, Xiaoxia Duan, Zai-Sha Mao, Chao Yang
Summary: The influence of operating conditions on mixing in the stirred membrane reactor (SMR) was investigated through experiments, mathematical model fitting, and CFD simulation. The critical values for ideal mixing in the SMR were found to be a discharge-to-flow rate ratio of 13.13 and a mean residence time-to-mixing time ratio of 10. Moreover, the residence time distribution (RTD) is independent of membrane permeability resistance.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hu Liang, Xin Feng, Yuanyuan Hui, Jie Chen, Jinfan Liu, Zheng Li, Chao Yang, Wanqin Jin
Summary: Stirred membrane reactors can recycle catalysts and separate products, but membrane fouling is a major limitation. This study investigated the dynamic process and mechanism of constant pressure filtration membrane fouling through experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The results showed that the filtration model at high shear position followed the cake filtration model according to the Hermia model, while the filtration model at low shear position followed the combined filtration model due to different particle accumulation speeds. It was found that higher shear rates or lower trans-membrane pressure resulted in easier stabilization of the filtration system. The smaller the porosity epsilon, the larger the fraction of small particles in the filter cake. Finally, the study explained the mechanism of membrane fouling based on changes in particle radial velocity and acceleration at the micro level.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chunliu Xu, Xin Hu, Yang Yang, Zelang Jian, Wen Chen, Liangrong Yang, Chao Yang, Huizhou Liu, Junmei Zhao, Hongbin Cao, Yong-Sheng Hu
Summary: CO2 is used as a leaching agent to recycle spent LiFePO4 at room temperature, with low energy consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emission, and considerable economic profit.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Feng Ye, Peng Zhao, Haoliang Wang, Jingcai Cheng, Xiangyang Li, Chao Yang
Summary: It is found that the error of image-based method for polydisperse particles is significantly affected by the overlap effects. Therefore, a new measurement method is proposed, which cuts the particles into several classes based on their size range and measures each class with appropriate optical parameters. The results are then combined to obtain the distribution of particle property.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuaifeng Zhang, Zhuotai Jia, Bo Kong, Shaoping Ma, Zai-Sha Mao, Qinghua Zhang, Ning Yang, Chao Yang
Summary: A multiscale model of slurry-phase olefin polymerization is developed to account for the existence of gas-liquid mass transfer resistance. The comprehensive model integrates the reaction kinetic model, single particle model, and overall mass conservation balance. The interdependence of mass transfer resistance and polymerization reactions is evaluated. The model prediction is validated with literature data, and the effects of operating conditions on polymerization rate and polymer properties are discussed.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Taotao Hu, Yixin Ma, Li Yang, Peng Liu, Yiqun Fan, Yan Zhang, Jingcai Cheng, Chao Yang
Summary: The solubility of glyphosate in different aqueous solutions and binary mixed solutions was studied at various temperatures. The solubility was found to be influenced by the composition of the solution and the initial pH value. The solubility showed a U-shaped characteristic with the lowest value at pH 1.5. The concentration of NaCl affected the solubility differently compared to the concentration of triethylamine hydrochloride and glyphosine. The solubility data was correlated with different models, and the thermodynamic properties of glyphosate in mixed solutions were calculated. The obtained data can provide guidance for the crystallization of glyphosate.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Zhufeng Hu, Yuchen Tong, Min Wang, Junbo Xu, Chao Yang
Summary: A rapid and low-cost method for preparing carbon/carbon (C/C) composites is proposed, involving the formation of graphite prepreg-coated carbon fiber fabric (CFF) followed by hot isostatic pressing and high temperature graphitization. The mass fraction of carbon fiber (CF) can be precisely regulated by the impregnation process conditions, and a ZrO2 anti-ablative layer can be applied using sol-gel method. With a CF mass fraction of 50%, a C/C composite with a crystallinity of 92.21, porosity of 3.47%, mass ablation rate of 0.23 mg/s, and density of 1.62 g/m3 was obtained. This method enables the preparation of C/C composites with uniform density and high ablation resistance.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanyang Mo, Yumei Yong, Wenqiang Chen, Jialin Dai, Junbo Xu, Chao Yang
Summary: This paper investigates the effects of Marangoni stress and interface mass transfer on the shape and transportation of two-phase flow bubbles. A new model combining PFLBM and FDM is built for numerical simulations. The results show that the equilibrium state of bubble deformation is determined solely by dimensionless numbers, and the transportation velocity of the bubble can be controlled by the balance between Marangoni stress and shear velocity.
