Mixing performance in T-shape microchannel at high flow rate for Villermaux-Dushman reaction

An empirical analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect of the geometric parameters of microchannel on the mixing performance at high flow rates. The mixing performance is assessed using I⁻/IO₃ ⁻parallel competition reaction covering the whole flow regime, and measured using segregation index (Xs) covering different lengths of outlet tube (L_out), volume of mixing chamber (V_mc) covering a wide range of Reynolds number. Results show that the channel geometric parameters have significant influence on the mixing process. The segregation index is found to increase with increase in H⁺concentration and volumetric flow ratio (R), while decrease with increase in the outlet (d_out) and inlet tube diameter (d_in). The highest mixing efficiency corresponds to highest Reynolds number, c(H⁺) = 0.05 mol/L, R = 1, d_in = d_out = 5 mm, L_out = 20 cm and V_mc = 0.9 cm³. Regression analysis is performed to relate the micromixing time with the influencing parameters. An optimal mixing time of 0.5 ms can be achieved in a T-shape microchannel. As compared to other forms of reactors, the optimized T-shape microchannel is identified to possess excellent mixing characteristics, which could find promising applications for high flux reaction process.