Development of a micro-channel contactor–separator for immiscible liquids

A new concept of micro-channel contactor–separator is developed for operation with immiscible liquids. It has potential for application with micro-reactors or for mass transfer operations. A prototype device is made in glass using a photo-chemical etching process, including etching across a gap to p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering research & design 2008, Vol.86 (1), p.65-74
Main Authors: Chan, T.Y., Priestman, G.H., MacInnes, J.M., Allen, R.W.K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Chemical engineering
Exact sciences and technology
Heat and mass transfer. Packings, plates
Liquid–liquid contactor
Liquid–liquid separator
Micro-channel etching
Micro-fluidics
Micro-reactor
Reactors
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Summary:A new concept of micro-channel contactor–separator is developed for operation with immiscible liquids. It has potential for application with micro-reactors or for mass transfer operations. A prototype device is made in glass using a photo-chemical etching process, including etching across a gap to produce sections of shallow channel. It is tested using oil and water, and the behaviour studied using a microscope in conjunction with a digital video camera. The basis of operation is to use a simple T-junction to produce slugs of typically the oil phase in the water phase. The slugs then flow along a straight channel toward a separation section, which consists of small side channels running perpendicular from the main channel. The side channels carry water to the water outlet, whilst the oil flows out along the main channel. The side channels have a restricted opening where they join the main channel and the extra interfacial force at this point is intended to prevent the oil phase from entering. The operating conditions over which the system operated successfully were determined experimentally. These were found to agree reasonably well with conditions predicted based on CFD analysis.
ISSN:0263-8762
DOI:10.1016/j.cherd.2007.10.010