Microreactor designed for efficient plasma-liquid segmented flows

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Plasma Science
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Microreactors offer precise control for chemical synthesis.
• Gas-liquid plasma processes require understanding complex flow dynamics.
• Optimizing segmented flow in microchannels is crucial for efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate hydrodynamics and plasma behavior in microreactors for gas-liquid plasma chemical processes.
• To revise scaling laws for bubble and slug dynamics based on liquid properties.
• To develop a predictive flow map for microreactor operation under plasma conditions.

Main Methods:

• Designed and operated microreactors with a high aspect ratio rectangular microchannel.
• Investigated gas-liquid flow hydrodynamics at a T-junction using fifteen organic synthesis solvents.
• Utilized residence time distribution experiments to estimate liquid film and residence times.
• Generated plasma in segmented flows and analyzed its impact on gas temperature and flow patterns.

Main Results:

• Revised scaling laws incorporating liquid vapor pressure to predict bubble and slug characteristics.
• Demonstrated successful plasma generation across all tested liquids.
• Observed plasma-induced increases in gas temperature, bubble lengthening, and reduced bubble residence time.
• Developed a flow map correlating flow patterns with liquid boiling point and dielectric constant under plasma conditions.

Conclusions:

• Microreactors are effective for gas-liquid plasma chemical processes.
• Liquid properties significantly influence hydrodynamics, requiring revised scaling laws.
• Plasma conditions alter flow patterns, predictable via a developed flow map.
• These microreactors show promise for diverse gas-liquid plasma chemical applications.