Shape of the liquid-liquid interface in micro counter-current flows.
We investigated the shape of the liquid-liquid interface in micro counter-current flows formed within microchannels. The pressure balance at the interface was calculated based on the interface geometry. Although the shape should be an arc under laminar flow, a large deformation near the center of the microchannel was observed. In the center of the microchannel, Laplace pressure (171 - 450 Pa) was induced toward the aqueous phase. In contrast, near both sidewalls, Laplace pressure (81 - 166 Pa) was induced toward the organic phase. This result suggests that opposing flow occurs in the adjacent phases near the interface, with spiral-like flow generation.
Institute of Microchemical Technology Co., Ltd., Sakado, Takatsu, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
Arata
A
Aota
Akihide
A
Hibara
Yasuhiko
Y
Sugii
Takehiko
T
Kitamori
D057446:Hydrodynamics; D044085:Microfluidics; D011312:Pressure; D014050:Toluene / Q000737:chemistry*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D014867:Water; D014050:Toluene