Mixing characterization and scaling-up analysis of asymmetrical T-shaped micromixer: Experiment and CFD simulation

In this work, an asymmetrical T-shaped micromixer with replaceable channels was used to investigate comparatively the micromixing performance in various micromixing configurations by Villermaux/Dushman method and CFD simulation, and the scale-up strategy of mixing configuration was discussed as well. The results show that both the convergence region and mixing channel contribute considerably to the mixing, and widening the continuous fluid channel of micromixer to several millimeters in individual can still exhibit high micromixing performance as Re is above 6000. In an asymmetrical T-shaped micromixer with a constant height of mixing channel, the intensity of mixing (IM) has a nearly linear relationship with Re in the range from 2000 to 10,000 while independent on the width of the mixing channel. Compared with one-dimension scale-up in the vertical direction, one-dimension scale-up in the horizontal direction can benefit from less deterioration to micromixing performance. Adapting for this scale-up strategy, lower mechanical energy dissipation per mass is needed at higher operational capacity. The Re can be used as a fundamental criterion for an asymmetrical T-shaped micromixer to adjust the width of mixing channel according to the operational capacity. Our results would be helpful for understanding the mixing phenomena in the asymmetrical T-shaped micromixer and optimizing configuration or operation conditions for micromixer of this kind.

► A new assembly was used to study one-dimensional scale-up strategy of T-shaped mixer.
► Horizontal one-dimensional scale-up strategy is better than the vertical one.
► The mixing performance was only dependent on Re for such a series of T-shaped mixers.
► The energy loss per mass for a good mixing can decrease with throughout increasing.