Simulation of non-Newtonian fluid flow in a horizontal pipe

Abstract

Microchannel reactors exhibit distinct gas-liquid two-phase flow behaviors compared to macro-scale channels, offering advantages like efficient heat and mass transfer, compact size, and low energy consumption. Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) emerges as a potent stabilizer, enhancing mixing, homogenization and pipeline transport. Its judicious application reduces equipment strain, amplifies homogenization efficiency and finds diverse utility in food processing and beyond. However, incorrect employment bears the risk of compromised outcomes, potentially leading to product wastage. Consequently, investigating N2-CMC solution flow in microchannels holds paramount significance for elevating efficacy, minimizing usage, refining product quality and bolstering yield. In this study, we simulated the N2-CMC solution flow dynamics within an interleaved T-shaped microchannel using FLUENT which is a numerical simulation software. The simulation delved into alterations in gas-liquid two-phase flow patterns and pressure drops. We examined the impacts of liquid concentration and gas-liquid flow rate ratio on flow patterns, pressure drops and bubble lengths. The simulation results exhibited congruence with experimental data. Notably, elevated liquid concentrations correlated with higher pressure drops and elongated bubble lengths. Conversely, augmenting the gas-liquid flow rate ratio led to diminished pressure drops while elongating bubble lengths. These findings furnish insights into flow patterns and pressure drop behaviors for gas-non-Newtonian fluids within microchannels, forming a pivotal reference for microfluidic system design.