Investigations of the mixing efficiency of five novel micromixer designs with backward arrow inlet using the Villermaux Dushman protocol

Abstract

Abstract This study explores and analyzes the mixing efficiency of five innovative micromixers, each featuring serpentine microchannels, through comprehensive experimentation. The mixing experiments were conducted on micromixers with distinct shapes: backward arrow, loop, square, circular, and box waves, all equipped with backward arrow-shaped inlets, using the Villermaux–Dushman protocol. The assessment of mixing performance was carried out across a range of Reynolds numbers (Re) from 100 to 700, accompanied by varying pressure drop measurements. The efficiency of mixing was determined using ultraviolet spectrophotometry to measure the absorbance values and times for mixed fluids from the five micromixers. At Re values greater than 100, the mixing performance ranked as follows: Square-wave > Circular-wave > Box-wave > Loop-wave > Backward Arrow-shaped micromixers. Factors such as repeated perturbations, the presence of crests and troughs, the angle of the channels, and the split and recombination effects played significant roles in these outcomes. With increasing Re from 100 to 700, we observed progressive and consistent results across all microchannels. Remarkably, at a broad range of Reynolds numbers, the five micromixers demonstrated superior mixing performance compared to designs based on unbalanced split and collisions, achieving an impressive mixing efficiency of over 93 %, while keeping the pressure drop under 80 kPa. This pressure drop range is suitable for a variety of lab-on-a-chip and micro-total analysis systems. Furthermore, the experimental results show that the mixing performance of microfluidic systems can be improved by incorporating the presented design method of microchannel shapes, especially the Square-wave.