Abstract
The gas–liquid slug flow characteristics in a novel honeycomb microchannel reactor were investigated numerically and experimentally. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling was carried out with Comsol finite element software using the phase-field method, and the simulation results were verified by micro-particle image velocimetry (micro-PIV) analysis. The breakups of liquid slugs at the bifurcations of current honeycomb microchannel followed a complex behavior, leading to non-uniformity in each branch. The pressure distribution inside the microreactor was closely related to the phase distribution. The increasing inlet gas velocity increased the gas phase volume fraction, as well as the gas slug length. Higher gas velocity resulted in stronger turbulence of the liquid phase flow field and a deviation of residence time distribution from normal distribution, but it was favorable to even more residence time during the liquid phase. There also exists a secondary flow in the gas–liquid interface. This work reveals the intrinsic intensified effect of honeycomb microchannel, and it provides guidance on future microreactor design for chemical energy conversion.
Highlights
Characterized by large specific surface area, short diffusion transmission path and strong controllability, the microreactor can significantly enhance the mass and heat transfer process, providing a clean and safe chemical production environment [1]
Ramzan et al [2] investigated the mechanical characteristics of the non-Newtonian second grade nanofluid with gyrotactic microorganisms in heat and mass transfer flow
Khan et al [3] used optimal homotopy analysis method to explore the mechanical aspects of a bio-thermal system
Summary
Characterized by large specific surface area, short diffusion transmission path and strong controllability, the microreactor can significantly enhance the mass and heat transfer process, providing a clean and safe chemical production environment [1]. The authors discussed the effects of operating conditions on the reaction performance and compared the honeycomb fractal microreactor with the traditional mini-fixed bed and parallel straight microchannel reactor They found the honeycomb microreactor could improve both the heat and mass transfer significantly, enhancing the reaction conversion and yield of desired lower olefins. These results were explained by the higher surface-to-volume ratio in the honeycomb structure, which reinforced the effect of separation and junction and made the fluid in the different channels contact frequently.
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