Basic Design Concept of a Microreactor for Isothermal Operation Including Heat Conductivity

Analysis of Aspect Ratio in a Miniature Rectangle Channel for Low Frictional Resistance

We conducted a theoretical investigation of the cross-sectional aspect ratio of a rectangular channel to have sufficiently low frictional resistance under less than 150 of the Reynolds number. From the theoretical consideration, it was clarified that 3.40 or more is recommended as a criterion for determining the aspect ratio. This addresses the problem of determining the interval of rectangle channels, installed in a plate reactor. There is a concern that the real system does not follow the analytical solution, assuming laminar flow, since the higher aspect ratio leads to disturbances of the flow such as the emergence of vortices. However, in the channel's volume range of (W × H × L) = (7.0 mm × 0.38 mm × 0.26 m), such a turbulence was not observed in the detailed numerical calculation by CFD, where both calculation results were in agreement to within 3% accuracy. Moreover, even in an experimental system with a surface roughness of ca. 7%, friction resistance took agreement within an accuracy of ±30%.

Influence of channel dimensions and operational parameters on methane dry-reforming reaction in a catalytic wall-plate reactor and its design methodology

For design of a catalytic wall-plate reactor (CWPR) under reaction-controlled performance, key constraints are expressed in universal form.

Why microfluidics? Merits and trends in chemical synthesis

The intrinsic limitations of conventional batch synthesis have hindered its applications in both solving classical problems and exploiting new frontiers. Microfluidic technology offers a new platform for chemical synthesis toward either molecules or materials, which has promoted the progress of diverse fields such as organic chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine. In this review, we focus on the improved performance of microreactors in handling various situations, and outline the trend of microfluidic synthesis (microsynthesis, μSyn) from simple microreactors to integrated microsystems. Examples of synthesizing both chemical compounds and micro/nanomaterials show the flexible applications of this approach. We aim to provide strategic guidance for the rational design, fabrication, and integration of microdevices for synthetic use. We critically evaluate the existing challenges and future opportunities associated with this burgeoning field.