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Photoelectric Sensor for Fast and Low-Priced Determination of Bi- and Triphasic Segmented Slug Flow Parameters.
Niclas von Vietinghoff1, Waldemar Lungrin1, Raphael Schulzke1
1Laboratory of Chemical Reaction Engineering, Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering, Technical University Dortmund, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 9, 2020
Summary
A new, inexpensive optical sensor accurately measures multiphase flow in microreactors. This technology enables automation of critical processes like bubble generation and pump control in capillary reactors.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Microfluidics
- Process Intensification
Background:
- Multiphase systems in microreactors enhance heat and mass transport.
- Automation of segmented slug flow requires reliable sensors for velocity and phase determination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a fast, low-priced, noninvasive sensor for multiphase flow characterization in microreactors.
- To enable automation of critical flow aspects in capillary reactors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two optical transmission sensors and a microcontroller for noninvasive flow detection.
- Employed signal analysis based on light path refraction through bubble geometries.
- Simulated light paths to understand signal generation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated high performance for bi- and triphasic slug flow.
- Achieved an error rate of less than 5%, suitable for industrial applications.
- Sensor is fast, robust, and inexpensive.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensor reliably determines flow characteristics (velocity, phase lengths, ratios).
- This technology enhances the attractiveness of parallelized capillary reactors for industrial use.
- Enables automation of microreactor processes, improving efficiency.
