Abstract
We present a parallel laminar micromixer with staggered curved channels for homogeneously mixing two fluids by Dean vortex. The secondary flows are produced in curved rectangular channels by the centrifugal forces; the diffusion distance of two fluids is reduced due to the staggered structures of the flow channels. The mixing strength is increased when one stream is injected into the other. Confocal microscopy and pH indicator have been used to study the mixing. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are utilized to examine the interfacial configurations and the mixing behaviors inside the channels. The interface of the two fluids is heavily distorted and increases the interfacial area because of the unique structures. The mixing index of the staggered curved-channel mixer with tapered channels is higher than those of the other curved-channel mixers. The effects of various Reynolds numbers and channel configurations on mixing performances are investigated in terms of the experimental mixing indices and the computational interfacial patterns. The comparison between the experimental data and numerical results shows a very similar trend.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the National Science Council of the Republic of China, Taiwan, for financially supporting this research under Contract No. NSC100-2221-E-020-024-. Daryl Switak is appreciated for his editorial assistance.
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Chen, J.J., Shie, Y.S. Interfacial configurations and mixing performances of fluids in staggered curved-channel micromixers. Microsyst Technol 18, 1823–1833 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-012-1489-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00542-012-1489-x