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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets

Capillary-based Centrifugal Microfluidic Device for Size-controllable Formation of Monodisperse Microdroplets

Published on: February 22, 2016

Droplet Formation by Confined Liquid Threads inside Microchannels.

Cees J M van Rijn¹, Willem G N van Heugten¹

¹Microfluidics and Nanotechnology, Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University , Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.

Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids

|September 5, 2017

Summary

Researchers developed a model for droplet generation in microchannels. Droplet size is controlled by capillary number (Ca), with breakup occurring below a critical Ca (1/16 for cylinders).

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Area of Science:

Fluid dynamics
Microfluidics
Droplet formation

Background:

Monodisperse droplet generation is crucial for various industries.
Previous models often lack accuracy in predicting droplet size and breakup location.
Microchannel flow dynamics present unique challenges for droplet control.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a general model for predicting droplet size and breakup position in microchannels.
To establish the critical capillary number (Ca_cr) for droplet breakup.
To demonstrate a controlled method for producing monodisperse emulsions.

Main Methods:

Development of a theoretical model for droplet breakup in confined geometries.
Experimental verification of the model using microchannel flow.
Analysis of the relationship between capillary number and droplet formation.

Main Results:

A model accurately predicts droplet size and breakup position.
Droplet breakup occurs when capillary number (Ca) is below a critical value (Ca_cr = 1/16 for cylindrical microchannels).
Droplet diameter is approximately twice the liquid thread diameter below Ca_cr; above Ca_cr, the thread remains stable.

Conclusions:

The presented model offers precise prediction of droplet generation.
The critical capillary number dictates droplet breakup and size.
This controlled droplet generation method has significant applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.