Integrated vortex micro T-mixer for rapid mixing of fluids

Abstract

This article reports a novel design of a micromixer showing efficient mixing by creating vortex flow in a microchannel. The main microchannel splits and recombines into two sub-channels at a tangential position that facilitates the generation of vortex flow. The height and width of the sub-channels are half the height and width of the main microchannel. The fluid flow and the mixing characteristics of the micromixer were demonstrated by performing numerical and experimental studies at different Reynolds numbers (Re = 2.5≈40). The micromixer was fabricated using a standard soft lithography process. The fluid streams from the subchannels create vortex flow in the main microchannel which increases the interface area. The idea of creating multiple vortex flow zones by repeating the design of vortex T-mixer was successfully shown in mixing enhancement. The design of the micromixer is promising for mixing the fluids in a short length of the microchannel (5.5 mm at Re = 10 and 2.6 mm at Re = 40).