Modelling and experiments of microchannels incorporating microengineered structures

• Main Author: Cantu-Perez, A.
• Published: University College London (University of London) 2011
• Subjects: 660
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.565276

Microreaction technology was conceived, thanks to the advances on microfabrication by the semiconductor industry. The first applications of microchannels used for performing reactions date back to the early nineties. Since then, many conferences dedicated to this topic are held worldwide such as the International Microreaction Technology Conference (IMRET) or the International Conference on Microchannels and Minichannels. The small dimensions of the microchannels lead to very high heat and mass transfer rates, reactions are therefore performed very efficiently on these devices. However, the small dimensions of the channels lead to high pressure drops. In addition, microchannels are very susceptible to clogging. This thesis studies the effect of different microchannel configurations in terms of mixing, mass transfer, residence time distribution and reaction. The objective is to design microreactors which incorporate different structures which make them efficient in terms of heat/mass transfer, but do not have the issue of high pressure drop and channel blockage.