Design protocol of microjet mixers for achieving desirable mixing times with arbitrary flow rate ratios

Abstract

We extensively examined and discussed the performance of microjet mixers that consisted of two concentrically arranged tubes. The orientation of the feed streams with respect to the inner and outer inlets was the crucial factor for promoting the desired reaction. The Reynolds number after jetting and the velocity ratio of the inner and outer fluids were the key variables for promoting vigorous jetting and efficient mixing. By choosing the appropriate operating conditions, the microjet mixers exhibited excellent performance. The design protocol for microjet mixers was established based on mixing time measurements. We successfully maximized the throughput in one channel and numbered-up the microjet mixers. The microjet mixers also proved to be useful for treating viscous fluids with the appropriate choice of the feed orientation. The complete mixing of water with a 200 times more viscous fluid was achieved in 20 ms.