Computational Design and Experimental Validation of SAR Mixers

Abstract

In this study, two novel split and recombine (SAR) 'H-C' and 'Y-Y' micromixers along with a known SAR 'Chain' mixer are presented. The efficiency and pressure drop at Reynolds numbers (Re) up to 100 were investigated numerically as well as experimentally. Numerical and experimental values of mixing efficiency and pressure drop coincide considerably, which validate the numerical model. Results show that the mixing efficiency of the Chain mixer is good only at Re≥50 and the pressure drop is relatively high, whereas the H-C and the Y-Y mixers give a mixing efficiency higher than 90% over all the range of Reynolds numbers examined and their energy requirement is less than that of the Chain mixer. Furthermore, numerical residence time distribution (RTD) was explored, which successfully predicts the experimental results.