Fast mixing using the Shear Superposition Micromixer

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We present new experimental results showing high efficiency mixing procedures for an active shear superposition micromixer (SSM). This micromixer consists of a main mixing channel where unmixed fluids are perturbed by jet flows emanating from a series of transverse channels. Mixing of two fluids is achieved using the kinetic of the side jet flows. The mixing process is studied numerically and experimentally using flow visualizations techniques. The numerical simulations are performed for the 3-D flow using Fluent. The parameters (flow rate, frequency, and amplitude of oscillations) are accurately controlled using LABview. We quantify, numerically and experimentally, the degree of mixing achieved using the Mixing Variance Coefficient (MVC). We present some flow properties, cartography of the mixing for the parameters mentioned above and some biological applications. Single channel mixing can be very good when amplitude and frequency are chosen carefully. With more than one channel activated, the results show a mixing more robust.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Technical Proceedings of the 2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: May 8, 2005
Pages: 740 - 743
Industry sectors: Medical & Biotech | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 0-9767985-0-6