A CFD investigation of mixing profiles within a micro-coiled flow inverter

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Due to the low Reynolds number (Re) in microfluidic domain, the predominant laminar flow might inhibit effective mixing in micro-Coiled Flow Inverter (mCFI). Fluid dynamics within the mCFI was simulated with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to investigate the mixing profile. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Fluid flow was simulated with the software FLUENT with Species Transport (ST) setting, to replicate the mixing of two water bodies. Geometry of the mCFI was designed with a tubing diameter of 0.5 mm and curvature ratio of λ = 10. Fluid flow rate was adjusted to attain 25≤ Re ≤ 250. Findings: A mixing time of 0.59s was achieved with Re = 250. However complete mixing was still achievable even in Re = 25 albeit with a longer mixing time. Application/Improvements: Flow inversion is improved the mixing condition in micro-structured tubing, in enhancement of the diffusive mixing in microfluidics.