Flow and mass transfer characteristics of Newtonian/non-Newtonian liquid-liquid flow in a microreactor

doi:10.11949/0438-1157.20240569

Abstract

Abstract:

The online mass transfer characterization technology was used to study the liquid-liquid two-phase mass transfer process of Newtonian/non-Newtonian fluid with polyacrylamide (PAAm) solution as the dispersed phase in the microchannel. The flow patterns were analyzed first. A unique sussage slug flow was observed and the effects of PAAm concentration on the flow patterns (slug flow, sussage slug flow and annular flow) were investigated. The research reveals that the mass transfer in both the Newtonian and non-Newtonian slug droplets was dominated by the convection and diffusion. However, the shear-thinning characteristics of the non-Newtonian fluid lead to significant change in the vortices and concentration distribution. The convection inside the slug droplets was affected by the flow rate, droplet length and capillary number. Based on the penetration theory, a modified correlation by relating the flow rate ratio and capillary number was proposed, which shows excellent prediction performance.

Key words: multiphase flow, mass transfer, non-Newtonian fluid, process intensification, microfluidics

摘要：

利用传质在线表征技术研究了微通道内聚丙烯酰胺（PAAm）溶液为分散相的牛顿/非牛顿流体液-液两相流传质过程。首先探讨了两相流型，发现了一种独特的串状弹状流，并考察了PAAm浓度对弹状流、串状弹状流和环状流流型分布的影响。研究发现，牛顿流体和非牛顿流体液滴内的传质均受对流和扩散共同主导，但非牛顿流体的剪切变稀特性使液滴内的涡流和浓度分布发生显著改变。弹状液滴内的对流传质与流速、液滴长度和毛细管数相关。基于渗透理论，提出关联流量比和毛细管数的无量纲项以量化对流的影响，很好地预测了弹状流传质系数。

关键词: 多相流, 传质, 非牛顿流体, 过程强化, 微流控

CLC Number:

TQ 243

Dewang ZHANG, Qiankun ZHAO, Xiaoni GUO, Chaoqun YAO, Guangwen CHEN. Flow and mass transfer characteristics of Newtonian/non-Newtonian liquid-liquid flow in a microreactor[J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(11): 4162-4169.

张德旺, 赵乾坤, 郭笑妮, 尧超群, 陈光文. 微反应器内牛顿/非牛顿流体液-液两相流流动和传质研究[J]. 化工学报, 2024, 75(11): 4162-4169.

Figures/Tables 8

Fig.1 Reactor structure and mass transfer picture analysis process

Fig.2 The rheological curves of the two PAAm solutions

Fig.3 Three typical flow patterns and their distribution (0.2% PAAm solution)

Fig.4 Droplet length and predictive correlation performance

Fig.5 Oxygen concentration distribution within slug droplets in Newtonian fluid (a) and non-Newtonian fluid (b)

Fig.6 Oxygen concentration distribution of string slug flow (a) and annular flow (b)

Fig.7 Mass transfer coefficients of different fluids

Fig.8 Mass transfer prediction performance：(a) Traditional correlation based on penetration theory；(b) Modified correlation

References 38

1	Adamo A, Beingessner R L, Behnam M, et al. On-demand continuous-flow production of pharmaceuticals in a compact, reconfigurable system[J]. Science, 2016, 352(6281): 61-67.
2	Hessel V, Kralisch D, Kockmann N, et al. Novel process windows for enabling, accelerating, and uplifting flow chemistry[J]. ChemSusChem, 2013, 6(5): 746-789.
3	Nghe P, Terriac E, Schneider M, et al. Microfluidics and complex fluids[J]. Lab on a Chip, 2011, 11(5): 788-794.
4	Hoang P H, Nguyen C T, Perumal J, et al. Droplet synthesis of well-defined block copolymers using solvent-resistant microfluidic device[J]. Lab on a Chip, 2011, 11(2): 329-335.
5	Liu Z D, Lu Y C, Yang B D, et al. Controllable preparation of poly(butyl acrylate) by suspension polymerization in a coaxial capillary microreactor[J]. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 2011, 50(21): 11853-11862.
6	Song Y, Song J N, Shang M J, et al. Hydrodynamics and mass transfer performance during the chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in microreactors[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2018, 353: 769-780.
7	Yang Z C, Bi Q C, Liu B, et al. Nitrogen/non-Newtonian fluid two-phase upward flow in non-circular microchannels[J]. International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 2010, 36(1): 60-70.
8	Fu T T, Ma Y G, Funfschilling D, et al. Gas-liquid flow stability and bubble formation in non-Newtonian fluids in microfluidic flow-focusing devices[J]. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 2011, 10(5): 1135-1140.
9	Fu T T, Ma Y G, Funfschilling D, et al. Bubble formation in non-Newtonian fluids in a microfluidic T-junction[J]. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 2011, 50(4): 438-442.
10	Yang X H, Weldetsadik N T, Hayat Z, et al. Pressure drop of single phase flow in microchannels and its application in characterizing the apparent rheological property of fluids[J]. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 2019, 23(5): 75.
11	Musterd M, van Steijn V, Kleijn C R, et al. Calculating the volume of elongated bubbles and droplets in microchannels from a top view image[J]. RSC Advances, 2015, 5(21): 16042-16049.
12	Roumpea E, Chinaud M, Angeli P. Experimental investigations of non-Newtonian/Newtonian liquid-liquid flows in microchannels[J]. AIChE Journal, 2017, 63(8): 3599-3609.
13	Sontti S G, Atta A. CFD analysis of microfluidic droplet formation in non-Newtonian liquid[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2017, 330: 245-261.
14	Chen Q, Li J K, Song Y, et al. Modeling of Newtonian droplet formation in power-law non-Newtonian fluids in a flow-focusing device[J]. Heat and Mass Transfer, 2020, 56(9): 2711-2723.
15	Rostami B, Morini G L. Experimental characterization of a micro cross-junction as generator of Newtonian and non-Newtonian droplets in silicone oil flow at low capillary numbers[J]. Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 2019, 103: 191-200.
16	杜威. 微通道内非常规流体液滴生成与界面动力学研究[D]. 天津: 天津大学, 2017.
	Du W. Study on droplet formation and interfacial dynamic in unconventional fluids in microchannels[D]. Tianjin: Tianjin University, 2017.
17	Sun X, Zhu C Y, Fu T T, et al. Breakup dynamics of elastic droplet and stretching of polymeric filament in a T-junction[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2019, 206: 212-223.
18	Zhang Q D, Zhu C Y, Du W, et al. Formation dynamics of elastic droplets in a microfluidic T-junction[J]. Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 2018, 139: 188-196.
19	Lobasov A S, Minakov A V, Rudyak V Y. Flow modes of non-Newtonian fluids with power-law rheology in a T-shaped micromixer[J]. Theoretical Foundations of Chemical Engineering, 2018, 52(3): 393-403.
20	Yang H E, Yao G C, Wen D S. Efficient mixing enhancement by orthogonal injection of shear-thinning fluids in a micro serpentine channel at low Reynolds numbers[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2021, 235: 116368.
21	Zhao Q K, Ma H Y, Liu Y Y, et al. Hydrodynamics and mass transfer of Taylor bubbles flowing in non-Newtonian fluids in a microchannel[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2021, 231: 116299.
22	Liu Y Y, Zhao Q K, Yue J, et al. Effect of mixing on mass transfer characterization in continuous slugs and dispersed droplets in biphasic slug flow microreactors[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2021, 406: 126885.
23	Yao C Q, Ma H Y, Zhao Q K, et al. Mass transfer in liquid-liquid Taylor flow in a microchannel: local concentration distribution, mass transfer regime and the effect of fluid viscosity[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2020, 223: 115734.
24	Yao C Q, Zhao Y C, Ma H Y, et al. Two-phase flow and mass transfer in microchannels: a review from local mechanism to global models[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2021, 229: 116017.
25	Liu Y Y, Yao C Q, Yang L X, et al. A colorimetric technique to characterize mass transfer during liquid-liquid slug flow in circular capillaries[J]. MethodsX, 2021, 8: 101346.
26	Liu Y Y, Yue J, Xu C, et al. Hydrodynamics and local mass transfer characterization under gas-liquid-liquid slug flow in a rectangular microchannel[J]. AIChE Journal, 2020, 66(2): e16805.
27	刘希明, 田玉芹, 刘伟伟, 等. 部分水解聚丙烯酰胺和聚乙烯醇混合溶液的流变性[J]. 油田化学, 2020, 37(1): 115-120.
	Liu X M, Tian Y Q, Liu W W, et al. Rheological properties of partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide and poly(vinyl alcohol) mixed solutions[J]. Oilfield Chemistry, 2020, 37(1): 115-120.
28	Lohse M, Alper E, Quicker G, et al. Diffusivity and solubility of carbondioxide in diluted polymer solutions[J]. AIChE Journal, 1981, 27(4): 626-631.
29	Yang L X, Dietrich N, Hébrard G, et al. Optical methods to investigate the enhancement factor of an oxygen-sensitive colorimetric reaction using microreactors[J]. AIChE Journal, 2017, 63(6): 2272-2284.
30	Roudet M, Loubiere K, Gourdon C, et al. Hydrodynamic and mass transfer in inertial gas-liquid flow regimes through straight and meandering millimetric square channels[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2011, 66(13): 2974-2990.
31	Dietrich N, Loubière K, Jimenez M, et al. A new direct technique for visualizing and measuring gas-liquid mass transfer around bubbles moving in a straight millimetric square channel[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2013, 100: 172-182.
32	Yao C Q, Zhao Y C, Chen G W. Multiphase processes with ionic liquids in microreactors: hydrodynamics, mass transfer and applications[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2018, 189: 340-359.
33	Zhao C X, Middelberg A P J. Two-phase microfluidic flows[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2011, 66(7): 1394-1411.
34	Zhang Q, Liu H C, Zhao S N, et al. Hydrodynamics and mass transfer characteristics of liquid-liquid slug flow in microchannels: the effects of temperature, fluid properties and channel size[J]. Chemical Engineering Journal, 2019, 358: 794-805.
35	Garstecki P, Fuerstman M J, Stone H A, et al. Formation of droplets and bubbles in a microfluidic T-junction-scaling and mechanism of break-up[J]. Lab on a Chip, 2006, 6(3): 437-446.
36	Yao C Q, Liu Y Y, Xu C, et al. Formation of liquid-liquid slug flow in a microfluidic T-junction: effects of fluid properties and leakage flow[J]. AIChE Journal, 2018, 64(1): 346-357.
37	Du W, Fu T T, Duan Y F, et al. Breakup dynamics for droplet formation in shear-thinning fluids in a flow-focusing device[J]. Chemical Engineering Science, 2018, 176: 66-76.
38	Scheiff F, Holbach A, Agar D W. Slug flow of ionic liquids in capillary microcontactors: fluid dynamic intensification for solvent extraction[J]. Chemical Engineering & Technology, 2013, 36(6): 975-984.

[1]	Yan LI, Lijun ZHENG, Enyong ZHANG, Yunfei WANG. Model and experimental study of fluid permeation characteristics in a deep-water oil and gas tube [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(S1): 118-125.
[2]	Yong YANG, Zixuan ZU, Yukun LI, Dongliang WANG, Zongliang FAN, Huairong ZHOU. Numerical simulation of CO₂ absorption by alkali liquor in T-junction cylindrical microchannels [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(S1): 135-142.
[3]	Qirui GUO, Liyuan REN, Kang CHEN, Xiangyu HUANG, Weihua MA, Leqin XIAO, Weiliang ZHOU. Numerical simulation of static mixing tubes for HTPB propellant slurry [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(S1): 206-216.
[4]	Ran WANG, Huan WANG, Xiaoyun XIONG, Huimin GUAN, Yunfeng ZHENG, Cailin CHEN, Yucai QIN, Lijuan SONG. Visual analysis of mass transfer enhanced active site utilization efficiency of FCC catalyst [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(9): 3198-3209.
[5]	Zichi YANG, Bingqi XIE, Ruixin SHI, Hong LEI, Chen CHEN, Caijin ZHOU, Jisong ZHANG. Research progress on efficient and safe gas-liquid mass transfer and reaction processes in tube-in-tube reactor [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(9): 3011-3027.
[6]	Xinyi LUO, Qiang XU, Yonglu SHE, Tengfei NIE, Liejin GUO. Study on bubble dynamic characteristics and mass transfer mechanism in photoelectrochemical water splitting for hydrogen production [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(9): 3083-3093.
[7]	Lei ZUO, Junfeng WANG, Jian GAO, Daorui WANG. Electric field-regulating combustion behavior of biodiesel droplet [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(8): 2983-2990.
[8]	Jialei CAO, Liyan SUN, Dewang ZENG, Fan YIN, Zixiang GAO, Rui XIAO. Numerical simulation of chemical looping hydrogen generation with dual fluidized bed reactors [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(8): 2865-2874.
[9]	Jiaqi DING, Haitao LIU, Pu ZHAO, Xiangning ZHU, Xiaofang WANG, Rong XIE. Study on intelligent rolling prediction of the multiphase flows in coal-supercritical water fluidized bed reactor for hydrogen production [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(8): 2886-2896.
[10]	Hu JIN, Fan YANG, Mengyao DAI. The motion process of a droplet on a circular cylinder based on the lattice Boltzmann method [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(8): 2897-2908.
[11]	Banghan WU, Dingbiao LIN, Haifeng LU, Xiaolei GUO, Haifeng LIU. Pipe pressure drop and transfer bottle conveying characteristics in vertical pipe pneumatic logistics transmission system [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(7): 2465-2473.
[12]	Jinrui YANG, Hongfei ZHENG, Xinglong MA, Rihui JIN, Shen LIANG. Study on two-stage stacked humidification-dehumidification desalination device [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(7): 2446-2454.
[13]	Jinshan WANG, Shixue WANG, Yu ZHU. Influence of cooling surface temperature difference on the high temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cell performance [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(5): 2026-2035.
[14]	Binbin FENG, Mingjia LU, Zhihong HUANG, Yiwen CHANG, Zhiming CUI. Application and optimization of carbon supports in proton exchange membrane fuel cells [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(4): 1469-1484.
[15]	Mengqi LIU, Kai WANG, Guangsheng LUO. Fundamental research on microdispersion based on artificial intelligence [J]. CIESC Journal, 2024, 75(4): 1096-1104.