Liquid–liquid two-phase flow in a wire-embedded concentric microchannel: Flow pattern and mass transfer performance

Abstract

In this work, flow pattern and mass transfer of liquid–liquid two-phase flow in a wire-embedded concentric microchannel are studied using toluene–water system. Droplet flow, slug flow, oval flow and annular flow are observed in the wire-embedded concentric microchannel. The effects of embedded wires and physical properties on flow patterns are investigated. The embedded wire insert is conducive to the formation of annular flow. The flow pattern distribution regions are distinguished by the Caaq (capillary number)–Weorg (Weber number) flow pattern map. When Weorg＜0.001, slug flow is the main flow pattern, and when Weorg＞0.1, annular flow is the main flow pattern. Oval flow and droplet flow are between Weorg=0.001–0.1, and oval flow is transformed into droplet flow with the increase of Caaq. The effect of flow rate, phase ratio, initial acetic acid concentration, insert shape and flow patterns on mass transfers are studied. Mass transfer process is enhanced under annular flow conditions, the volumetric mass transfer coefficient is up to 0.36 s–1 because of the high interfacial area and interface renewal rate of annular flow.