Microreactor with coupled oscillatory flow: Research on liquid–solid two-phase characteristics and clogging mechanism

Abstract

Dealing with multiphase systems containing solid particles in microreactor is a great challenge. Herein, microreactor with coupled oscillation technology was designed to explore clogging mechanism. The simulation revealed that no vortex was generated in the straight-tube microreactor. In the helical microreactor, the vortex could be generated and destroyed periodically. Second, the deposition clogging mechanism was explored. Solid particles were deposited and agglomerated without oscillation. After coupled oscillation, agglomerations were reduced, but deposition still existed in the straight microreactor. In the helical microreactor, the deposition phenomenon could be eliminated. Finally, the bridging clogging mechanism was explored. Solid particles were deposited first and then bridged without oscillation, forming a local high viscosity zone, and eventually completely clogging the reactor. After coupled oscillation, it was difficult to destroy the bridging behavior in the straight microreactor. In the helical microreactor, the periodic vortex could effectively destroy the bridging structure and the particles flowed uniformly.