Effect of Bending Direction on Mixing Performance of Zigzag Microchannels

概要

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Zigzag microchannels have been commonly used in microreactor and μTAS. In the present study, the mixing performance of four special types of zigzag channels was compared. These channels had m successive 90° bends in the same direction, then did m successive 90° bends in the opposite direction, and this pattern was repeated numerous times. Two types of experiment with channels (having m = 1, 2, 3, or 4) were performed to determine mixing efficiency under various flow condition as Reynolds number (Re). Firstly, mixing patterns were visualized by means of Laser Induced Fluorometry (LIF). Secondly, required length for complete mixing was measured by means of decolorizing reaction. The results revealed that the mixing efficiency became high as m increases and the effect of convective flow by bending in same direction is great under 150 < Re < 250.