Baffle Gap Research Articles

On the relative contribution of solid-phase heat transfer in 3D printed baffled logpile catalyst structures

Recently introduced 3D printed baffled logpile catalyst structures provide increased fluid-phase convective heat transfer thanks to a cross-flow regime, leading to a favorable trade-off between heat transfer and pressure drop in fixed bed reactors. The role of the solid-phase heat transfer was not yet addressed, which is the purpose of the current work. Specifically, 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to map the heat transfer — pressure drop trade-off for nine different structures as a function of the superficial velocity and the solid-phase thermal conductivity. It was found that for structures without baffles, the solid-phase heat transfer dominates even at low solid-phase thermal conductivity (0.25Wm−1K−1). As the baffle gap spacing decreases, the fluid-phase contribution becomes increasingly more relevant for the baffled structures, underlining the added value of the baffles. The performance parameters were correlated to facilitate design considerations for reactors with 3D printed catalyst internals (in the range 3<Rep<18). An exemplary reaction case was also presented, through which it is shown that the conversion of the steam methane reforming process can be increased through the use of the baffled structures, further demonstrating the process intensification potential.

Different Baffle Gaps With Numerical Analysis of Multidesigned Shell-Tube-Heat Exchanger

Different Baffle Gaps With Numerical Analysis of Multidesigned Shell-Tube-Heat Exchanger

Multigrid simulations of non-Newtonian fluid flow and heat transfer in a ventilated square cavity with mixed convection and baffles

The impact of baffles on a convective heat transfer of a non-Newtonian fluid is experimentally studied within a square cavity. The non-Newtonian fluid is pumped into the cavity through the inlet and subsequently departs from the cavity via the outlet. Given the inherent non-linearity of the model, a numerical technique has been selected as the method for obtaining the outcomes. Primarily, the governing equations within the two-dimensional domain have been discretized using the finite element method. For approximating velocity and pressure, we have employed the reliable P2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mathbb{P}}_{2}$$\\end{document}–P1\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\\mathbb{P}}_{1}$$\\end{document} finite element pair, while for temperature, we have opted for the quadratic basis. To enhance convergence speed and accuracy, we employ the powerful multigrid approach. This study investigates how key parameters like Richardson number (Ri), Reynolds number (Re), and baffle gap bg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${{\ ext{b}}}_{{\ ext{g}}}$$\\end{document} influence heat transfer within a cavity comprising a non-Newtonian fluid. The baffle gap (bg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${b}_{g}$$\\end{document}) has been systematically altered within the range of 0.2–0.6, and for this research, three distinct power law indices have been selected namely: 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. The primary outcomes of the investigation are illustrated through velocity profiles, streamlines, and isotherm visualizations. Furthermore, the study includes the computation of the Nuavg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${Nu}_{avg}$$\\end{document}(average Nusselt number) across a range of parameter values. As the Richardson number (Ri) increases, Nuavg\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${Nu}_{avg}$$\\end{document} also rises, indicating that an increase in Ri results in augmented average heat transfer. Making the space between the baffles wider makes heat flow more intense. This, in turn, heats up more fluid within the cavity.

Numerical analysis of multipurpose shell-tube-heat exchanger withal stylized geometry at different baffle gaps and various flow rates

The effects of changing 90 mm and 110 mm plate spacings and FR factor of 0.9 kg/h, 1.3 kg/h, 1.7 kg/h, 1.9 kg/h on the total heat transfer performance and PD in the new design HX were examined. The results obtained by taking into account the change in plate spacing and FR factor of 0.9 kg/h, 1.3 kg/h, 1.7 kg/h and 1.9 kg/h, as well as variable factors, were transferred to the study and displayed in figures. In the study, firstly, the results of HCO obtained by changing FR and range were monitored. In the analysis, the interval values were 90 mm and 110 mm and the changes in the FR values of 0.9 kg/h, 1.3 kg/h, 1.7 kg/h and 1.9 kg/h increased in direct proportion. The smallest value of the heat transfer rate was obtained at 110 mm plate spacing and 0.9 kg/h FR. In addition, if the plate spacing was 90 mm, the smallest HCO was obtained at 0.9 kg/h. The largest HCO was obtained when the plate spacing was 90 mm and FR was 1.9 kg/h. In the second part of the study, the results of PD obtained by changing FR and gap were monitored. In the analysis, the interval values were 90 mm and 110 mm and the changes in FR values of 0.9 kg/h, 1.3 kg/h, 1.7 kg/h and 1.9 kg/h increased in direct proportion. The smallest value of PD level was obtained at 90 mm plate spacing and 0.9 kg/h FR. In addition, if the plate spacing was 110 mm, the smallest heat transfer coefficient was obtained at 0.9 kg/h. The largest PD value was obtained when the plate spacing was 110 mm and FR was 1.9 kg/h. In the last part of the study, the results obtained by changing FR and range of the HTPD value were monitored. In the analysis, the interval values were 90 mm and 110 mm, and the changes in FR values of 0.9 kg/h, 1.3 kg/h, 1.7 kg/h and 1.9 kg/h decreased in direct proportion. The smallest value of the HTPD level was obtained at 110 mm plate spacing and 1.9 kg/h FR. In addition, if the plate spacing was 90 mm, the smallest HTPD value was obtained at 1.9 kg/h. The highest HTPD value was obtained when the plate spacing was 90 mm and FR was 0.9 kg/h. Therefore, choosing a system with a 90 mm plate spacing and a FR of 0.9 kg/h will be more efficient in terms of thermohydraulic performance and pressure balancing. As a result, it was concluded that if the plate spacing was selected as 90 mm, a 15 % improvement could be achieved compared to the system design with a 110 mm plate spacing. As a new, it is thought that it will contribute to the literature in future studies, as the thermal performance, pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient results obtained at new flow rate values and compartment spacing values are obtained for the first time in a new STH designed in different dimensions than the literature.

Mechanism and risk assessment of baffle-jetting-induced vibrations in fuel rods

As nuclear reactor cores approach the end of their lifespans, it is a crucial aspect to ensure that the structural integrity of the reactor internals is not affected. The baffle-former bolts are subjected to significant mechanical stress and neutron irradiation from the reactor core during the plant operation. These circumstances can cause the bolts to degrade and lose some of their load-bearing capacity over the reactor lifespan. The degraded baffle-former bolts can lead to separation/openings between the baffle plates which cause water jet cross-flow injecting through these openings. This phenomenon is called baffle jetting. This jet flow can induce the vibration of fuel rods located near the baffle gaps, resulting in grid-to-rod fretting and, in extreme cases, fuel rod failures.This paper investigates the risk of baffle jetting-induced fluidelastic instability in fuel assemblies. A 6 × 5 axisymmetric flexible rod bundle having a prototypical nuclear fuel assembly is designed and fabricated to simulate a part of a fuel assembly under combined axial flow and baffle jetting. A special displacement mechanism is used to vary the position of jet flow relative to the array (i.e. jet eccentricity). Two cases, the jet-gap aligned case, and the jet-rod aligned case, are investigated to determine the variation of critical jet velocity with the jet eccentricity. In addition, three axial flow velocity cases, VAxial = 1.0 m/s, 1.5 m/s, and 2.0 m/s are tested in order to determine the stability effect of axial flow velocity on jet-induced instability. The experiments show that the mock-up array response resembles fluidelastic instability behavior. The stability threshold of the mock-up array depends strongly on the relative position of the jet flow with respect to the array centerline. In the jet-rod aligned case, the axial flow shows a strong effect on the combined flow-induced instability.

Favorable trade-off between heat transfer and pressure drop in 3D printed baffled logpile catalyst structures

Additive manufacturing has the potential to unlock a large degree of geometric freedom in the shaping of catalytic material, thereby providing new possibilities to optimize catalyst holdup, pressure drop and heat and mass transfer characteristics. In this modelling study, baffled logpile structures are proposed as a promising candidate to exploit this potential, by shaping the catalytic material as a static mixer, generating cross-flow. An OpenFOAM Computational Fluid Dynamics study was performed on various 2D structure designs to map the trade-off between heat transfer, pressure drop and residence time distribution as a function of the design, length and gap spacing of the baffle. It is observed that structures with the longest baffles provide optimal heat transfer performance, and that the baffle gap spacing can be used to tailor the trade-off between heat transfer and pressure drop. In comparison to a packed bed filled with spherical particles, the novel structures offer a heat transfer rate four to six times as high at the same pressure drop. Whilst full 3D simulations, validated by experiments, remain to complete the analysis, the current work illustrates the potential of this novel class of structured catalyst materials for intensified chemical reactors.

Experimental comparison and numerical study of flow and heat transfer characteristics of the pipe rows in heat pipe heat exchanger

Lube oil cooling is a very important heat transfer process on board, and the use of liquid-liquid heat pipe heat exchangers (HPHE) is easier to maintain and save energy, and does not have the risk of leakage. In this work, the heat transfer and flow in the heat pipe row of liquid-liquid HPHE is analyzed. The numerical model of HPHE based on the thermal resistance network of heat pipe is constructed and verified with the actual experimental data, and its maximum deviation is 8.1%. Results show that increasing the working fluid temperature in the evaporative section improved the operating performance of the heat pipe inside the HPHE, with the maximum equivalent thermal conductivity reaching 7112 W·m−1·K−1 at 70 °C. Furthermore, increasing the hot fluid flow rate improved the heat transfer rate of the HPHE more than increasing the cold fluid inlet flow rate. The convective heat transfer performance equations were fitted to the HPHE, with reliable accuracy within 5% obtained for both the forced convection correlations in the condensing and evaporating sections. The pipe row effect was observed to have some variability, with the periodic variation of the heat transfer coefficient per pipe row being more pronounced. The heat transfer coefficient of the pipe row at the outlet decreased by 15.5%, and the heat transfer coefficient of the pipe row at the baffle gap was also about 15% lower than that of the middle pipe row.

Influence of auxiliary mold stretch-bend forming on the forming quality for L-section aluminum alloy profile

To improve the stretch-bend forming precision of aluminum alloy profiles with complex open sections, the relationship stress–strain distribution and the spring-back radius variation were analyzed under different stretch-bend stages. Numerical simulation was performed on the auxiliary mold stretch-bend and spring-back process for the L-section aluminum alloy profile with variable curvature. The effects of cover plate pressure and baffle gap on residual stress, section deformation and spring-back value after forming were investigated. The results show that the stretch-bend warpage can be avoided by setting the cover plate on the straight section of the profile web plate. With the increase of the cover plate pressure, the section distortion of the vertical plate increases by 82%, and the maximum spring-back increases by 71%. A baffle plate was added to the outside of the vertical plate, and the baffle gap is proportional to the amount of section distortion and inversely proportional to the spring-back value. The critical cover force (1 kN) and the critical baffle gap (1 mm) obtained by numerical analysis are used in the stretch-bend forming experiment, and the maximum error between the two results is 2.39%. The numerical simulation has a certain reference value for the rational design of the auxiliary mold stretch-bend process parameters.

Numerical Investigation of Viscous Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in the Closed Configuration Installed with Baffles

In this study, the flow and heat transfer of viscous fluid features inside the closed configuration with a heated baffles are investigated. Due to the non-linearity of the model, the numerical approach is adopted to get the solution. Initially, the governing equations were discretized in the 2D domain using the Finite Element Method (FEM). To improve accuracy, a hybrid mesh is built at a coarse level, then the grid refinement level is increased. The baffle gap (B.g) is varied from 0.2 to 0.6 and three Reynolds numbers are chosen for this investigation: . The Grashof number is fixed in all the cases to . The results are discussed in terms of velocity profile, isotherms, and vertical cutlines graphs.

Heat transfer analysis in counter flow shell and tube heat exchanger using of design of experiments

In this research aimed to estimate the overall heat transfer coefficient of counter flow shell and tube heat exchanger. Heat transfer is the phenomenon to analysis of heat transfer from one medium of fluid to another medium of fluid, it is considered as a major role in industrial applications. Numerous heat exchangers are available, in this research considered as shell and tube heat exchanger. Overall heat transfer coefficient informed that three major factors are influenced as passing of fluid (film) media coefficient inside the tubes, circulating of fluid (film) media coefficient over in the shell, and the resistance of wall made on metal. In this study Taguchi L9 orthogonal array is executed to found the overall heat transfer coefficient with effective process parameters. Three major parameters are considered for this work are coil diameter (25 mm, 30 mm, and 35 mm), baffle thickness (15 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm) and baffle gap (200 mm, 300 mm, and 400 mm. Baffle plate thickness is highly significant factor for this experiment.

The Influence of Baffle Gap to The Effectiveness of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Helical Baffle

One of heat exchangers now commonly used in industries is shell and tube heat exchanger. The design of heat exchanger process is a major thing and is important in obtaining the effectiveness of the heat exchanger work, including the design of its baffle gap. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of baffle gap against the effectiveness of the shell and tube heat exchanger with helical baffle type. The object of this experimental study is a shell and tube type heat exchanger with variation in the baffle spacing, which are 4 cm, 8 cm and 12 cm. The type of baffle used is helical baffle. This study obtained the data by measuring the temperature of fluid entering and exiting, using thermocouple installed in various points of inlet and outlet fluid channels, and then analyzed descriptively. The results shows that 4 cm baffle gap leads to largest effectiveness which is 39.86% with a heat transfer rate of 4867.4 Watts. The 8 cm baffle gap has the effectiveness value 35.23% with the heat transfer rate of 3,709.12 Watts and then baffle gap of 12 cm leads to the lowest effectiveness, 29.59% with a heat transfer rate only 3301.21 Watts.

Baffle jetting: CFD analysis of plain jets impinging on fuel rods

The risk of baffle jetting exists mainly in pressurized water reactors, which are designed with a counter flow configuration in the core bypass region. Baffle plates are foreseen between core barrel and core, providing the core's lateral restraint and allowing a core bypass flow. A pressure differential establishes between the coolant flow in the core baffle and the upward flow through the core. A part of the coolant bypass flow is directed through the gaps of the baffle plates towards the core. Coolant cross flow through enlarged baffle gaps can result in high velocity jetting in the case of significant pressure differences between core and baffle region. These water jets impact onto the fuel rods and may induce rod vibration that can lead to fuel rod failure.Modelling baffle jetting induced vibrations of fuel rods is still a challenge in the field of fluid structure interaction. The present work aims to extend the understanding of the unsteady flow in rod bundles to situations where baffle jetting occurs. As a first step, the used LES modelling method is evaluated on the example of a well documented test case related to fuel rods in cross flow: the flow over a circular cylinder at Re = 3900. In the successive step, the validated modelling method is applied to the CEA PANACHET experiment, mimicking baffle jetting related phenomena. This analysis helped to understand better the flow field of a corner baffle jet and further validated the modelling approach.The flow field in the core baffle corner is finally analysed for realistic reactor conditions. A plain narrow slot jet is injected parallel to a baffle wall through a 1 mm width gap perpendicular to the axial flow of a corner assembly. The analysis of the flow field showed that: (i) Swirling flow exist close to the corner rod. The calculated force coefficients lift and drag of this rod show a dominant fluctuation frequency of about 80 Hz. (ii) The baffle jet impacts on the third rod in jet direction (passing the first two rods without impact). The force coefficients of the third rod do not show a dominant oscillation frequency but show increased oscillation amplitudes. The distinguished fluctuation frequency detected for rod n°1 and the direct impact of the baffle jet on rod n°3 might explain the rod failures that have been detected for these rods.

Reduction of sloshing effects in a rectangular tank through an air-trapping mechanism – a numerical study

A 2D rectangular tank subjected to horizontal excitations is used to analyze the effects of sloshing. The tank is fitted with horizontal baffles on two sides to suppress the impact pressure of sloshing by using an air-trapping mechanism. The volume of fluid method is adopted to create sloshing phenomena. Five cases with fixed baffle gaps and various baffle lengths are used to analyze the effects of suppressing the sloshing impact pressure in the tank. The peak pressure values of the cases with baffles are compared with those of the cases without baffles. Results show that the maximum suppression rate achieved is 63.6 % due to air trapping and baffle effects. Baffle ratio (Defined by G/L), a geometrical dimensionless factor, is considered to analyze the effects of baffle length and gap. A baffle ratio of 0.5 results in a 14.2 % reduction in the sloshing impact rate. An increasing amount of air is trapped within the baffle array as BR decreases.

An experimental study of heat transfer enhancement in an air channel with broken multi type V-baffles

This work aims at studying the effect of broken multi type V-baffles on heat transfer, pressure drop, and thermal hydraulic performance characteristics in an air channel is experimentally investigated. The air channel had aspect ratio of 10.0 and the Reynolds number (Re) based upon the mass flow rate of air (m a ) at entrance of the channel varied from 3000 to 8000. The discrete baffle distance (D d /L v ) varied from 0.27 to 0.77, relative baffle gap width (G w /H B ) varied from 0.50 to 1.5, relative baffle height (H B /H D ) varied from 0.25 to 1.0, relative baffle pitch (P B /H B ) varied from 8.0 to 12, relative baffle width (W D /H D ) varied from 1.0 to 6.0, and flow attack angle (α a )varied from 30° to 70°. It has been found that performance of broken multi type V-baffles air channel is better than the performance of smooth surface air channel for the range of geometrical parameters investigated. Experimental results observed that maximum enhancement in overall thermal performance have been found at Dd/Lv value of 0.67, Gw/HB value of 1.0, HB/HD value of 0.50, P B /H B value of 10, and αavalue of 60°.

Experimental study of enhancement of heat transfer and pressure drop in a solar air channel with discretized broken V-pattern baffle

This article presents an experimental study on heat transfer and friction characteristics of solar air channel fitted with discretized broken V-pattern baffle on the heated plate. The effect of geometrical parameters, predominantly the gap width and gap location has been investigated. The roughened baffle air channel has a width to height ratio, W/H of 10. The relative baffle gap distance, Dd/Lv and relative baffle gap width, gw/Hb has been varied from 0.26 to 0.83 and 0.5–1.5, respectively. Experiments have been carried out for the range of Reynolds number, Re from 3000 to 21,000 with the relative baffle height, Hb/H range of 0.25–0.80, relative baffle pitch, Pb/H range of 0.5–2.5; and angle of attack, αa range of 30°–70°. The optimal values of geometrical parameters of roughness have been obtained and discussed. For Nurs the greatest enhancement of the order of 4.47 times of the corresponding data of the without channel has been obtained. The absolute highest data of thermal hydraulic performance parameter has been found to be greater corresponding to Dd/Lv of 0.67, gw/Hb of 1.0, Hb/H of 0.50, Pb/H of 1.5, and αa of 60°. The maximum value of the thermal hydraulic performance parameter was found to be 3.14 for the range of parameters investigated.

Experimental study and correlation development for Nusselt number and friction factor for discretized broken V-pattern baffle solar air channel

The present study examines the augmentation in heat transfer and friction in a flow through solar air channel with discretized broken V-pattern baffle. Experiments have been carried out for system parameter such as a width to height ratio, W/H of 10, the relative baffle gap distance, Dd/Lv range of 0.26–0.83, relative baffle gap width, gw/Hb range of 0.5–1.5, relative baffle height, Hb/H range of 0.25–0.80, relative baffle pitch, Pb/H range of 0.5–2.5, and angle of attack, αa range of 30–70°. The effect of discretized broken V-pattern baffle has been investigated for the range of Reynolds number from 3000 to 21,000. The maximum enhancement is observed at a Dd/Lv of 0.67, gw/Hb of 1.0, Hb/H of 0.50, Pb/H of 1.5, and αa of 60°. Discretized broken V-pattern baffle has better thermal hydraulic performance as compared to other baffle shapes investigated by various investigators under similar operating conditions. By the use of the experimental data, correlations for heat transfer and friction characteristics have been developed for solar air channel as function of system parameters of discretized broken V-pattern baffle.

Application of dynamic mode decomposition to acoustic-modes identification and damping in a 3-dimensional chamber with baffled injectors

The dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is applied to a 3-dimensional chamber in order to identify acoustic resonant modes and quantify their damping. The DMD is one of post-processing methods, which can be applicable with acoustic field information in a full or a partial domain from numerical and experimental data. For application of the DMD method, the 3-dimensional chamber with baffled injectors is selected, in which gaps in baffled injectors enhanced acoustic damping and it has been shown that there exists an optimum gap for maximum damping in the previous works. Damping coefficients are evaluated in order to investigate whether the DMD method is able to predict the influence of gaps in baffled injectors on the damping of the first tangential (1T) mode or not. In addition to the 1T mode, the first longitudinal (1L) mode, the 1T1L mode, and higher modes are extracted and damping coefficients for them are estimated using the DMD method on 2-dimensional planes and they reveal that the baffle gap affects significantly only specific modes and show a good agreement with the damping factors from the previous work in predicting the optimum gap for maximum acoustic damping.

A capillary-driven micromixer: idea and fabrication

Microfluidic systems have been drawing attention upon the various branches of engineering science and the allied areas within biology and biomedicine. In this paper, a fabrication of a capillary-driven micromixer using photoresist JSR and glasses is proposed. We design three types of planar capillary-driven micormixers with different sizes of baffles in the channel. Flow tests have shown that the micromixer with a baffle gap of 100 μm and space of 100 μm reaches a best mixing performance of 93% in gray-level image analysis.

Acoustic damping enhanced by gaps in baffled injectors in an acoustic chamber

Acoustic damping enhanced by gap width in baffled injectors is investigated numerically, which are installed to suppress pressure oscillations in a model acoustic chamber. The previous experimental works reported that baffled injectors show larger acoustic damping with gaps between adjoining injectors than baffled injectors without the gap or conventional baffles. Acoustic-damping behaviors of baffled injectors are simulated numerically and the damping mechanism is examined. Damping factors are calculated as a function of baffle gap and it is found that the maximum acoustic damping is observed at a gap of 0.1–0.2 mm. The enhanced damping by gaps is attributed to viscous dissipation on the surfaces of the injectors or baffle blades. The optimum gap for maximum damping depends on the viscosity of the medium in the chamber and it increases with the viscosity. As a quantitative parameter of viscous dissipation, the dissipation rate of kinetic energy is calculated as a function of baffle gap. The parameter shows its maximum value at a specific gap and especially, the viscous dissipation rate has the same profile as that of damping factor. It verifies that the enhanced damping by gaps is attributed to the viscous dissipation of acoustic energy increased by gaps in baffled injectors.

Using 3D LIF to investigate and improve performance of a multichamber ozone contactor

Three‐dimensional laser‐induced fluorescence (3D LIF) was applied to visualize and quantitatively analyze hydrodynamics and mixing in a multichamber ozone contactor, the most widely used design for water disinfection. Results suggested that mixing was characterized by extensive short‐circuiting between chambers, internal recirculation within the chambers, and dead zones at the chamber centers. Because of these nonideal mixing behaviors, the hydrodynamics in the entire reactor showed greater dispersion than a series of completely mixed reactors. These flow patterns could be diminished by decreasing the channel width, whereas the effects of the flow rate and baffle gap were negligible within the range investigated. Accordingly, reactive transport model simulations suggested that overall reactor performance could be significantly improved by preventing these flow behaviors. The 3D LIF technique developed and presented in this study is expected to provide a novel tool for reactor diagnosis, retrofitting to improve performance, and new reactor design.