Bubble breakup dynamics and fluid distribution in a honeycomb microreactor with chemical reaction

Abstract

The bubble breakup dynamics and fluid distribution in a honeycomb microreactor with chemical reaction were visually investigated. The bubble split and collide behavior in multistage divergent-convergent branching structures were observed and studied. It was demonstrated that the bubble breakup at bifurcations relies dramatically on the collision behavior of the bubble pairs at the downstream convergence. Four bubble flow regimes were observed at the convergence: no collision, collision-slipping, squeezing-slipping, and blockage-slipping. The non-uniformity of the fluid distribution mainly stems from uneven breakup of bubbles at the upstream bifurcation, the lack of bubble breakup, the feedback effects of downstream and the manufacturing errors. Furthermore, the variation of pressure drop in a honeycomb microreactor was explored. The overall pressure drop was found to increase by the local pressure drop, whereas reduced with the increased absorption capacity of liquid phase. Taking these impact factors into account, a modified Lockhart-Martinelli pressure drop model was developed.