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Hydrodynamics and Mixer‐Induced Bubble Formation in Micro Bubble Columns with Single and Multiple‐Channels
Author(s) -
Haverkamp V.,
Hessel V.,
Löwe H.,
Menges G.,
Warnier M. J. F.,
Rebrov E. V.,
de Croon M. H. J. M.,
Schouten J. C.,
Liauw M. A.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.200600180
Subject(s) - bubble , microchannel , dimensionless quantity , mechanics , slug flow , flow (mathematics) , liquid bubble , characterization (materials science) , microfluidics , pinch , two phase flow , open channel flow , channel (broadcasting) , volumetric flow rate , materials science , physics , mechanical engineering , nanotechnology , engineering , electrical engineering
A hydrodynamic characterization of an industrially used gas‐liquid contacting microchannel device is discussed, viz. the micro bubble column of IMM. Furthermore, similar characterization of a gas‐liquid flow microchip of TU/e, with two tailored mixer designs, is used to solve fundamental issues on hydrodynamics, and therefore, to achieve further design and operating optimization of that chip and the IMM device. Flow pattern maps are presented in a dimensionless fashion for further predictions on new fluidic systems for optimum single‐channel multiphase operation. Bubble formation was investigated in the two types of mixers and pinch‐off and hydrodynamic decay mechanisms are observed. The impact of these mechanisms on bubble size, bubble size distributions, and on the corresponding flow patterns, i.e., the type of mixer design, can be decisive for the flow pattern map and thus, may be used to alter flow pattern maps. The bubble sizes and their distribution were improved for the tailored designs, i.e., smaller and more regular bubbles were generated. Finally, the impact of multi‐channel distribution for gas and liquid flow is demonstrated. Intermediate flow patterns such as slug‐annular flow, also found for single‐phase operation, and the simultaneous coexistence of flow regimes are presented, with the latter providing evidence of flow maldistribution.