Showing papers on "Volumetric flow rate published in 2001"

Fabrication and characterization of electroosmotic micropumps

Abstract: Electroosmotic flow (EOF) micropumps which use electroosmosis to transport liquids have been fabricated and used to achieve pressures in excess of 20 atm and flow rates of 3.6 μl/min for 2 kV applied potentials. These pumps use deionized water as working fluids in order to reduce the ion current of the pump during operation and increase thermodynamic efficiency. EOF pumps are fabricated by packing the 3.5 μm diameter non-porous silica particles into 500–700 μm diameter fused-silica capillaries and by using a silicate frit fabrication process to hold the particles in place. The devices have no moving parts and can operate as both open (high flow rate) and closed (high pressure) systems. Pressure versus flow rate performance data are presented and combined with measurements of physical dimensions, dry and wet weight, and ion current to calculate the pump structure porosity, tortuosity, effective pore radius, and zeta potential.

A comparative study of gas hold-up, bubble size, interfacial area and mass transfer coefficients in stirred gas–liquid reactors and bubble columns

Abstract: The overall gas hold-up e g , the volumetric mass transfer coefficient k 1 a , the liquid side mass transfer coefficient k 1 , the volumetric interfacial area a , the bubble size d bs and bubble distribution have been characterised in two bubble columns and a non-standard vessel equipped with various dual-impeller combinations. In the bubble columns, the effects of gas flow rate, sparger type and column diameter were investigated. In the dual-impeller stirred reactor, the effects of rotational speed, gas flow rate, impeller type and diameter were studied. The performances of the two reactors are compared here, and some relationships are proposed and compared with existing correlations.

Creep motion in a granular pile exhibiting steady surface flow

Abstract: We investigate experimentally granular piles exhibiting steady surface flow. Below the surface flow, it has been believed that a ``frozen'' bulk region exists, but our results show no such frozen bulk. We report here that even the particles in layers deep in the bulk exhibit very slow flow and that such motion can be detected at an arbitrary depth. The mean velocity of the creep motion decays exponentially with depth, and the characteristic decay length is approximately equal to the particle size and is independent of the flow rate. It is expected that the creep motion we have seen is observable in all sheared granular systems.

Force field particle filter, combining ultrasound standing waves and laminar flow

Abstract: A continuous flow microparticle filter that combines megahertz frequency ultrasonic standing waves and laminar flow is described. The filter has a 0.25 mm, single half wavelength, acoustic pathlength at right angles to the flow. Standing wave radiation pressure on suspended particles drives them towards the centre of the acoustic pathlength. Clarified suspending phase from the region closest to the filter wall is drawn away through a downstream outlet. Experimental tests achieved >1000-fold clearance of 5 μm yeast cells, at a sample flow rate of 6 ml min −1 , from which the clarified aliquot is 1 ml min −1 . At this flow rate the average residence time in the sound field was 1 h was less than 1 K. The design criteria considered in the fabrication of this high performance device are discussed. A theoretical model of the filter’s efficiency, which considers the action of primary radiation force and the particle distribution across a laminar flow profile is presented here. The model predicts that totally clarified filtrate (i.e. zero suspended particles) may be drawn from the downstream outlet. The system described offers a generic approach to automated filtration in some applications. It is continuous flow thereby solving many of the problems of automation presented by batch filter methods and centrifuges. It could be developed for both larger scale and microfluidic applications.

Surface flow of granular materials: model and experiments in heap formation

Abstract: Granular surface flows are important in industrial practice and natural systems, but the understanding of such flows is at present incomplete. We present a combined theoretical and experimental study of quasi-two-dimensional heap formation by pouring particles continuously at a point. Two cases are considered: open systems and closed systems. Experimental results show that the shear rate in the flowing layer is nearly independent of the mass flow rate, and the angle of static friction at the bed-layer interface increases with flow rate. Predictions of the model for the flowing layer thickness and interface angles are in good agreement with experiments.

Design of an interface to allow microfluidic electrophoresis chips to drink from the fire hose of the external environment.

Abstract: An interface design is presented that facilitates automated sample introduction into an electrokinetic microchip, without perturbing the liquids within the microfluidic device. The design utilizes an interface flow channel with a volume flow resistance that is 0.54-4.1 x 10(6) times lower than the volume flow resistance of the electrokinetic fluid manifold used for mixing, reaction, separation, and analysis. A channel, 300 microm deep, 1 mm wide and 15-20 mm long, was etched in glass substrates to create the sample introduction channel (SIC) for a manifold of electrokinetic flow channels in the range of 10-13 microm depth and 36-275 microm width. Volume flow rates of up to 1 mL/min were pumped through the SIC without perturbing the solutions within the electrokinetic channel manifold. Calculations support this observation, suggesting a leakage flow to electroosmotic flow ratio of 0.1:1% in the electrokinetic channels, arising from 66-700 microL/min pressure-driven flow rates in the SIC. Peak heights for capillary electrophoresis separations in the electrokinetic flow manifold showed no dependence on whether the SIC pump was on or off. On-chip mixing, reaction and separation of anti-ovalbumin and ovalbumin could be performed with good quantitative results, independent of the SIC pump operation. Reproducibility of injection performance, estimated from peak height variations, ranged from 1.5-4%, depending upon the device design and the sample composition.

Flow rate module and integrated flow restrictor

Abstract: An integrated module is provided for measuring a flow rate of a fluid, whether gaseous or liquid, with a flow restrictor comprising a plurality of orifices adapted to a flow channel of the integrated module and a sensor mounted to measure a property of the fluid at said flow restrictor corresponding to the flow rate. The integrated module provided may be used in numerous flow systems, such as reactors, ventilators and respirators, and has the benefit of better laminarization of the flow as well as better calibration between the flow sensor and the flow restrictor for more accurate flow measurements.

Effects of clogging, argon injection and continuous casting conditions on flow and air aspiration in submerged entry nozzles

Abstract: The inter-related effects of nozzle clogging, argon injection, tundish bath depth, slide-gate opening position, and nozzle-bore diameter on the steel flow rate and pressure in continuous-casting slide-gate nozzles are quantified using computational models of three-dimensional (3-D) multiphase turbulent flow The results are validated with measurements on operating steel continuous slab-casting machines and are presented for practical conditions with the aid of an inverse model Predictions show that initial clogging may enhance the steel flow rate due to a potential streamlining effect before it becomes great enough to restrict the flow channel The clogging condition can be detected by comparing the measured steel flow rate to the expected flow rate for those conditions, based on the predictions of the inverse model presented here Increasing argon injection may help to reduce air aspiration by increasing the minimum pressure, which is found just below the slide gate More argon is needed to avoid a partial-vacuum effect at intermediate casting speeds and in deeper tundishes Argon flow should be reduced during shallow tundish and low casting speed conditions (such as those encountered during a ladle transition) in order to avoid detrimental effects on flow pattern Argon should also be reduced at high casting speed, when the slide gate is open wider and the potential for air aspiration is less The optimal argon flow rate depends on the casting speed, tundish level, and nozzle-bore diameter and is quantified in this work for a typical nozzle and range of bore diameters and operating conditions

Estimating the mean speed of laminar overland flow using dye injection‐uncertainty on rough surfaces

Abstract: A common method for estimating mean flow speeds in studies of surface runoff is to time the travel of a dye cloud across a measured flow path. Motion of the dye front reflects the surface flow speed, and a correction must be employed to derive a value for the profile mean speed, which is always lower. Whilst laminar flow conditions are widespread in the interrill zone, few data are available with which to establish the relationship linking surface and profile mean speeds, and there are virtually none for the flow range 100 < Re < 500 (Re = Reynolds number) which is studied here. In laboratory experiments on a glued sand board, mean flow speeds were estimated from both dye speeds and the volumetric flow relation v = Q/wd with d measured using a computer-controlled needle gauge at 64 points. In order to simulate conditions applicable to many dryland soils, the board was also roughened with plant litter and with ceramic tiles (to simulate surface stone cover). Results demonstrate that in the range 100 < Re < 500, there is no consistent relation between surface flow speeds and the profile mean. The mean relationship is v = 0·56 vsurf, which departs significantly from the theoretical smooth-surface relation v = 0·67 vsurf, and exhibits a considerable scatter of values that show a dependence on flow depth. Given the inapplicability of any fixed conversion factor, and the dependence on flow depth, it is suggested that the use of dye timing as a method for estimating v be abandoned in favour of precision depth measurement and the use of the relation v = Q/wd, at least within the laminar flow range tested. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Partial electroosmotic pumping in complex capillary systems: Part 2: Fabrication and application of a micro total analysis system (μTAS) suited for continuous volumetric nanotitrations

Abstract: A new micro total analysis system (μTAS) designed for volumetric nanotitrations, integrating two electroosmotically driven nanopumps and a sensor unit, is presented. The unique feature of the integrated electroosmotic pumps is their ability to pump widely different solutions, independent of intrinsic characteristics such as pH or ionic strength, with the exception of viscosity. Typical flow rates achieved are in the range of 2–65 nl/s, depending on the number of microchannels connected in parallel and on the applied voltage. The pulsation-free flows developed in two nanopumps push out the solutions contained in two reservoirs. The solutions are fed into a three-dimensional mixer, where the chemical reaction takes place. The potential difference as a function of the sample concentration is detected by means of a pseudo-reference electrode located in one channel and an indicator electrode placed downstream from the mixer in the sensor unit.

A new benthic aqueous flux meter for very low to moderate discharge rates

Abstract: Significant quantities of fluids and dissolved geochemical components are expelled through the sediment surface in ocean margin and sedimented ridge environments. Recently, significant interest has been generated in constraining hydrological processes in these environments, but direct measurement of fluid flow in the marine environment has proven to be difficult and many aspects of marine hydrogeology remain poorly understood. To address the need for a means to make a significant number of direct measurements in a wide range of low to moderate flow environments, we have developed a new type of benthic aqueous flux meter that is capable of measuring diffuse fluid flow through the sediment surface on the order of 0.1 mm yr −1 –15 m yr −1 when the flow is through sediments with permeabilities of less than 10 −8 cm 2 (typical seafloor sediments). The instrument measures fluid flow by determining the degree of dilution of a chemical tracer that is injected by an osmotic pump at a known rate into the fluids venting into or out of a collection chamber situated on the sea bed. The pump also withdraws a subsample of this tracer/fluid mix into sample coils allowing a serial record of the flow rates to be determined. Both upward and downward flow can be measured and, when flux rates are high enough to effectively flush the collecting chamber, the instruments also act as geochemical samplers. Three years of laboratory testing and field use have constrained the effects of (1) temperature, pressure, and deployment duration on osmotic pump performance, (2) dispersion/diffusion in the sample coils, and (3) deflection of flow under a range of sediment permeabilities. Recent deployments on the Kodiak and Cascadia accretionary prisms document the range and capabilities of the instrument in the field.

A thermal bubble actuated micro nozzle-diffuser pump

Abstract: A valve-less micropump using the principles of thermal bubble actuation and nozzle-diffuser flow regulation is successfully demonstrated. The pump consists of a meander-shaped resistive heater, a pair of nozzle-diffuser flow controllers, and a 1 mm in diameter, 50 /spl mu/m in depth pumping chamber. Liquid is actuated by periodically expanding and collapsing thermal bubbles via resistive heating and a net flow is induced by the nozzle-diffuser flow regulator. Both single-bubble and dual-bubble actuation modes have been investigated. In the single-bubble pumping mode, a maximum flow rate of 5 /spl mu/l/min is measured at the driving pulse of 10% duty cycle at 250 Hz under an average power consumption of 1 W. A similar flow rate of 4.5 /spl mu/l/min is measured in the dual-bubble pumping mode, at the driving pulse of 5% duty cycle at 400 Hz with 0.5 W of average power consumption. The highest measured pumping pressure is 377 Pascal at zero volume flow rate.

Self-normalizing flow sensor and method for the same

Abstract: An apparatus to normalize a flow rate of a fluid in a main flow channel is provided. The apparatus uses a moveable member, such as a flexible membrane disposed for reciprocating displacement, to produce a constant dither flow of the fluid that is independent of fluid composition. This dither flow generates a signal output from a normalizing flow sensor that both represents a characteristic property of the fluid and a flow rate calibration factor. A similar apparatus to determine the characteristic property or flow rate calibration factor is also provided. The devices disclosed may be used in numerous industrial, process, and medical flow system applications for normalization of flow sensors and to derive other properties of a fluid.

Computational fluid dynamic modeling of gas flow characteristics in a high-velocity oxy-fuel thermal spray system

Abstract: A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is developed to predict gas dynamic behavior in a high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray gun in which premixed oxygen and propylene are burnt in a 12 mm combustion chamber linked to a parallel-sided nozzle. The CFD analysis is applied to investigate axisymmetric, steady-state, turbulent, compressible, and chemically combusting flow both within the gun and in a free jet region between the gun and the substrate to be coated. The combustion of oxygen and propylene is modeled using a single-step, finite-rate chemistry model that also allows for dissociation of the reaction products. Results are presented to show the effect of (1) fuel-to-oxygen gas ratio and (2) total gas flow rate on the gas dynamic behavior. Along the centerline, the maximum temperature reached is insensitive to the gas ratio but depends on the total flow. However, the value attained (∼2500 K) is significantly lower than the maximum temperature (∼3200 K) of the annular flame in the combustion chamber. By contrast, the centerline gas velocity depends on both total flow and gas ratio, the highest axial gas velocity being attained with the higher flow and most fuel-rich mixture. The gas Mach number increases through the gun and reaches a maximum value of approximately 1.6 around 5 mm downstream from the nozzle exit. The numerical calculations also show that the residual oxygen level is principally dependent on the fuel-to-oxygen ratio and decreases by approximately fivefold as the ratio is varied from 90 to 69% of the stoichiometric requirement. The CFD model is also used to investigate the effect of changes in combustion chamber size and geometry on gas dynamics, and the results are compared with the nominal 12 mm chamber baseline calculations.

Influence of gas flow rate and reactor length on NO removal using pulsed power

Abstract: A short duration of 100-ns pulsed power has been used to remove nitric oxide (NO) in a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, water vapor, and NO, simulating flue gases from a power station. The effects of the gas flow rate, the reactor length, and the pulse repetition rate on the percentage of NO removal and its energy efficiency are reported. The percentage of NO removal at a fixed gas flow rate increased with increasing pulse repetition rate due to the increased energy into the discharge. At a fixed pulse rate, the removal of NO increased with decreasing gas flow rate due to the increased residence time of the gas in the discharge reactor, thus facilitating the creation of increased radicals of O and N which then decreased NO. The energy removal efficiency of NO (in mol/kWh) decreased with increasing gas flow rate and increasing removal ratio of NO. The removal of NO increased with increasing energy density (J/I), input into the discharge at different reactor length.

Methods, devices, and systems for monitoring time dependent reactions

Abstract: Methods for monitoring time dependent reactions that comprise providing a flow channel, typically microscale in dimension, flowing at least two reagents into the flow channel and varying the flow rate of the mixture through the flow channel. By increasing and/or decreasing the flow rate of the reagent mixture from the point of mixing to the point of detection, one alters the amount of reaction time, allowing monitoring reaction kinetics over time.