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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Double Emulsion Generation Using a Polydimethylsiloxane PDMS Co-axial Flow Focus Device
Published on: December 25, 2015
Prediction and control of drop formation modes in microfluidic generation of double emulsions by single-step
Seyed Ali Nabavi1, Goran T Vladisavljević2, Monalie V Bandulasena2
1Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, United Kingdom; Combustion and CCS Centre, Cranfield University, Cranfield MK43 0AL, United Kingdom.
Hypothesis:
Predicting formation mode of double emulsion drops in microfluidic emulsification is crucial for controlling the drop size and morphology.
Experiments And Modelling:
A three-phase Volume of Fluid-Continuum Surface Force (VOF-CSF) model was developed, validated with analytical solutions, and used to investigate drop formation in different regimes. Experimental investigations were done using a glue-free demountable glass capillary device with a true axisymmetric geometry, capable of readjusting the distance between the two inner capillaries during operation.
Findings:
A non-dimensional parameter (ζ) for prediction of double emulsion formation mode as a function of the capillary numbers of all fluids and device geometry was developed and its critical values were determined using simulation and experimental data. At logζ>5.7, drops were formed in dripping mode; the widening jetting occurred at 5
