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AlOmier A, Cha D, Ayirala S, Al-Yousef A, Hoteit H. Novel fabrication of mixed wettability micromodels for pore-scale studies of fluid-rock interactions. LAB ON A CHIP 2024. [PMID: 38258315 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc01009k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Wettability plays a crucial role in multiphase fluid flow in porous media, impacting various geological applications such as hydrocarbon extraction, aquifer remediation, and carbon dioxide sequestration. Microfluidic methods have attracted interest for their capacity to explore and visualize essential multiphase flow dynamics at the pore level, mimicking actual rock pore structures. However, creating micromodels with representative mixed wettability is currently a challenge. Existing technology is limited to producing micromodels with a singular wettability, either water-wet or oil-wet, leaving a gap in representing mixed-wet scenarios. In this study, we introduce a novel method to fabricate microfluidic devices with controlled spatial distribution of wettability at the micro-scale, mimicking actual configurations of mixed-wet rocks arising from varied mineralogy and pore structures. The proposed method combines the soft lithography process with thin film deposition techniques. The micromodels were designed to mimic the pore network of actual reservoir rocks, and a silicon substrate served as the foundation for the photolithography process optimization and wettability alteration methodology. Perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane coating was applied using molecular vapor deposition technology for surface wettability modification. The coated parts of the microdevice substrate altered the localized wetting state of the silicon towards hydrophobic, while the wettability remained unchanged in the non-coated areas. We utilized surface measurements, including contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy, to assess the wettability, composition, thickness, shape, roughness, and overall quality of the coating. Our fabrication process successfully produced a microfluidics device with tailored mixed-wet attributes at the micro-scale, which is, to our best knowledge, the first achievement in the field. This method enables the replication of mixed-wet characteristics commonly seen in various applications, such as carbonates and shales within underground rocks, providing a more accurate examination of fundamental multiphase fluid dynamics and rock interactions at the pore level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah AlOmier
- Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Dongkyu Cha
- EXPEC Advanced Research Center, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Subhash Ayirala
- EXPEC Advanced Research Center, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Al-Yousef
- EXPEC Advanced Research Center, Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussein Hoteit
- Physical Science and Engineering Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
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Tong KTX, Tan IS, Foo HCY, Show PL, Lam MK, Wong MK. Sustainable circular biorefinery approach for novel building blocks and bioenergy production from algae using microbial fuel cell. Bioengineered 2023; 14:246-289. [PMID: 37482680 PMCID: PMC10367576 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2236842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The imminent need for transition to a circular biorefinery using microbial fuel cells (MFC), based on the valorization of renewable resources, will ameliorate the carbon footprint induced by industrialization. MFC catalyzed by bioelectrochemical process drew significant attention initially for its exceptional potential for integrated production of biochemicals and bioenergy. Nonetheless, the associated costly bioproduct production and slow microbial kinetics have constrained its commercialization. This review encompasses the potential and development of macroalgal biomass as a substrate in the MFC system for L-lactic acid (L-LA) and bioelectricity generation. Besides, an insight into the state-of-the-art technological advancement in the MFC system is also deliberated in detail. Investigations in recent years have shown that MFC developed with different anolyte enhances power density from several µW/m2 up to 8160 mW/m2. Further, this review provides a plausible picture of macroalgal-based L-LA and bioelectricity circular biorefinery in the MFC system for future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Tian Xiang Tong
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Inn Shi Tan
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Henry Chee Yew Foo
- Department of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, India
| | - Man Kee Lam
- Chemical Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
- HICoE-Centre for Biofuel and Biochemical Research, Institute of Self-Sustainable Building, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mee Kee Wong
- PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
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du Plooy J, Jahed N, Iwuoha E, Pokpas K. Advances in paper-based electrochemical immunosensors: review of fabrication strategies and biomedical applications. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230940. [PMID: 38034121 PMCID: PMC10685120 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose paper-based sensing devices have shown promise in addressing the accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity, analysis time and cost of current disease diagnostic tools owing to their excellent physical and physiochemical properties, high surface-area-to-volume ratio, strong adsorption capabilities, ease of chemical functionalization for immobilization, biodegradability, biocompatibility and liquid transport by simple capillary action. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the field of electrochemical immunosensing for various diseases, particularly in underdeveloped regions and globally. It highlights the significant progress in fabrication techniques, fluid control, signal transduction and paper substrates, shedding light on their respective advantages and disadvantages. The primary objective of this review article is to compile recent advances in the field of electrochemical immunosensing for the early detection of diseases prevalent in underdeveloped regions and globally, including cancer biomarkers, bacteria, proteins and viruses. Herein, the critical need for new, simplistic early detection strategies to combat future disease outbreaks and prevent global pandemics is addressed. Moreover, recent advancements in fabrication techniques, including lithography, printing and electrodeposition as well as device orientation, substrate type and electrode modification, have highlighted their potential for enhancing sensitivity and accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarid du Plooy
- SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Nazeem Jahed
- SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Emmanuel Iwuoha
- SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Keagan Pokpas
- SensorLab, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Datta SS, Battiato I, Fernø MA, Juanes R, Parsa S, Prigiobbe V, Santanach-Carreras E, Song W, Biswal SL, Sinton D. Lab on a chip for a low-carbon future. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:1358-1375. [PMID: 36789954 DOI: 10.1039/d2lc00020b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Transitioning our society to a sustainable future, with low or net-zero carbon emissions to the atmosphere, will require a wide-spread transformation of energy and environmental technologies. In this perspective article, we describe how lab-on-a-chip (LoC) systems can help address this challenge by providing insight into the fundamental physical and geochemical processes underlying new technologies critical to this transition, and developing the new processes and materials required. We focus on six areas: (I) subsurface carbon sequestration, (II) subsurface hydrogen storage, (III) geothermal energy extraction, (IV) bioenergy, (V) recovering critical materials, and (VI) water filtration and remediation. We hope to engage the LoC community in the many opportunities within the transition ahead, and highlight the potential of LoC approaches to the broader community of researchers, industry experts, and policy makers working toward a low-carbon future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujit S Datta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton NJ, USA.
| | - Ilenia Battiato
- Department of Energy Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto CA, USA
| | - Martin A Fernø
- Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, 5020, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ruben Juanes
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Shima Parsa
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester NY, USA
| | - Valentina Prigiobbe
- Department of Civil, Environmental, and Ocean Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken NJ, USA
- Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Wen Song
- Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, USA
| | - Sibani Lisa Biswal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA
| | - David Sinton
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto ON, Canada.
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Cao UMN, Zhang Y, Chen J, Sayson D, Pillai S, Tran SD. Microfluidic Organ-on-A-chip: A Guide to Biomaterial Choice and Fabrication. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3232. [PMID: 36834645 PMCID: PMC9966054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ-on-A-chip (OoAC) devices are miniaturized, functional, in vitro constructs that aim to recapitulate the in vivo physiology of an organ using different cell types and extracellular matrix, while maintaining the chemical and mechanical properties of the surrounding microenvironments. From an end-point perspective, the success of a microfluidic OoAC relies mainly on the type of biomaterial and the fabrication strategy employed. Certain biomaterials, such as PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane), are preferred over others due to their ease of fabrication and proven success in modelling complex organ systems. However, the inherent nature of human microtissues to respond differently to surrounding stimulations has led to the combination of biomaterials ranging from simple PDMS chips to 3D-printed polymers coated with natural and synthetic materials, including hydrogels. In addition, recent advances in 3D printing and bioprinting techniques have led to the powerful combination of utilizing these materials to develop microfluidic OoAC devices. In this narrative review, we evaluate the different materials used to fabricate microfluidic OoAC devices while outlining their pros and cons in different organ systems. A note on combining the advances made in additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for the microfabrication of these complex systems is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Simon D. Tran
- McGill Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Stem Cells Laboratory, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, 3640 University Street, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
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Lei W, Lu X, Wang M. Multiphase displacement manipulated by micro/nanoparticle suspensions in porous media via microfluidic experiments: From interface science to multiphase flow patterns. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 311:102826. [PMID: 36528919 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiphase displacement in porous media can be adjusted by micro/nanoparticle suspensions, which is widespread in many scientific and industrial contexts. Direct visualization of suspension flow dynamics and corresponding multiphase patterns is crucial to understanding displacement mechanisms and eventually optimizing these processes in geological, biological, chemical, and other engineering systems. However, suspension flow inside the opaque realistic porous media makes direct observation challenging. The advances in microfluidic experiments have provided us with alternative methods to observe suspension influence on the interface and multiphase flow behaviors at high temporal and spatial resolutions. Macroscale processes are controlled by microscale interfacial behaviors, which are affected by multiple physical factors, such as particle adsorption, capillarity, and hydrodynamics. These properties exerted on the suspension flow in porous media may lead to interesting interfacial phenomena and new displacement consequences. As an underpinning science, understanding and controlling the suspension transport process from interface to flow patterns in porous media is critical for a lower operating cost to improve resource production while reducing harmful emissions and other environmental impacts. This review summarizes the basic properties of different micro/nanoparticle suspensions and the state-of-the-art microfluidic techniques for displacement research activities in porous media. Various suspension transport behaviors and displacement mechanisms explored by microfluidic experiments are comprehensively reviewed. This review is expected to boost both experimental and theoretical understanding of suspension transport and interfacial interaction processes in porous media. It also brings forward the challenges and opportunities for future research in controlling complex fluid flow in porous media for diverse applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhai Lei
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xukang Lu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Moran Wang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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Rostami J. Optimization of Convective Heat Transfer in Microchannels Equipped by Porous Ribs. Transp Porous Media 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11242-021-01727-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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A Selection Flowchart for Micromodel Experiments Based on Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations of Surfactant Flooding in Enhanced Oil Recovery. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9111887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A selection flowchart that assists, through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, the design of microfluidic experiments used to distinguish the performance in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery (CEOR) of two surfactants with very similar values of interfacial tension (IFT) was proposed and its use demonstrated. The selection flowchart first proposes an experimental design for certain modified variables (X→: porosity, grain shape, the presence of preferential flowing channels, and injection velocity). Experiments are then performed through CFD simulations to obtain a set of response variables (Y→: recovery factor, breakthrough time, the fractal dimension of flow pattern, pressure drop, and entrapment effect). A sensitivity analysis of Y→ regarding the differences in the interfacial tension (IFT) can indicate the CFD experiments that could have more success when distinguishing between two surfactants with similar IFTs (0.037 mN/m and 0.045 mN/m). In the range of modifiable variables evaluated in this study (porosity values of 0.5 and 0.7, circular and irregular grain shape, with and without preferential flowing channel, injection velocities of 10 ft/day and 30 ft/day), the entrapment effect is the response variable that is most affected by changes in IFT. The response of the recovery factor and the breakthrough time was also significant, while the fractal dimension of the flow and the pressure drop had the lowest sensitivity to different IFTs. The experimental conditions that rendered the highest sensitivity to changes in IFT were a low porosity (0.5) and a high injection flow (30 ft/day). The response to the presence of preferential channels and the pore shape was negligible. The approach developed in this research facilitates, through CFD simulations, the study of CEOR processes with microfluidic devices. It reduces the number of experiments and increases the probability of their success.
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Manipulation of surface charges of oil droplets and carbonate rocks to improve oil recovery. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14518. [PMID: 34267283 PMCID: PMC8282872 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This work investigates the effect of the surface charges of oil droplets and carbonate rocks in brine and in surfactant solutions on oil production. The influences of the cations in brine and the surfactant types on the zeta-potentials of both oil droplets and carbonate rock particles are studied. It is found that the addition of anionic and cationic surfactants in brine result in both negative or positive zeta-potentials of rock particles and oil droplets respectively, while the zwitterionic surfactant induces a positive charge on rock particles and a negative charge on oil droplets. Micromodels with a CaCO3 nanocrystal layer coated on the flow channels were used in the oil displacement tests. The results show that when the oil-water interfacial tension (IFT) was at 10-1 mN/m, the injection of an anionic surfactant (SDS-R1) solution achieved 21.0% incremental oil recovery, higher than the 12.6% increment by the injection of a zwitterionic surfactant (SB-A2) solution. When the IFT was lowered to 10-3 mM/m, the injection of anionic/non-ionic surfactant SMAN-l1 solution with higher absolute zeta potential value (ζoil + ζrock) of 34 mV has achieved higher incremental oil recovery (39.4%) than the application of an anionic/cationic surfactant SMAC-l1 solution with a lower absolute zeta-potential value of 22 mV (30.6%). This indicates that the same charge of rocks and oil droplets improves the transportation of charged oil/water emulsion in the porous media. This work reveals that the surface charge in surfactant flooding plays an important role in addition to the oil/water interfacial tension reduction and the rock wettability alteration.
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Cirillo AI, Tomaiuolo G, Guido S. Membrane Fouling Phenomena in Microfluidic Systems: From Technical Challenges to Scientific Opportunities. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:820. [PMID: 34357230 PMCID: PMC8305447 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The almost ubiquitous, though undesired, deposition and accumulation of suspended/dissolved matter on solid surfaces, known as fouling, represents a crucial issue strongly affecting the efficiency and sustainability of micro-scale reactors. Fouling becomes even more detrimental for all the applications that require the use of membrane separation units. As a matter of fact, membrane technology is a key route towards process intensification, having the potential to replace conventional separation procedures, with significant energy savings and reduced environmental impact, in a broad range of applications, from water purification to food and pharmaceutical industries. Despite all the research efforts so far, fouling still represents an unsolved problem. The complex interplay of physical and chemical mechanisms governing its evolution is indeed yet to be fully unraveled and the role played by foulants' properties or operating conditions is an area of active research where microfluidics can play a fundamental role. The aim of this review is to explore fouling through microfluidic systems, assessing the fundamental interactions involved and how microfluidics enables the comprehension of the mechanisms characterizing the process. The main mathematical models describing the fouling stages will also be reviewed and their limitations discussed. Finally, the principal dynamic investigation techniques in which microfluidics represents a key tool will be discussed, analyzing their employment to study fouling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Iginio Cirillo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples Federico, 80125 Naples, Italy; (A.I.C.); (S.G.)
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tomaiuolo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples Federico, 80125 Naples, Italy; (A.I.C.); (S.G.)
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Guido
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples Federico, 80125 Naples, Italy; (A.I.C.); (S.G.)
- CEINGE Advanced Biotechnologies, 80131 Naples, Italy
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An Electrodiffusion Model Coupled with Fluid-Flow Effects for an On-Chip Electromembrane Extraction System. Transp Porous Media 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11242-021-01643-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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12
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Mahdavi S. Parameters affecting the wettability of glass medium in the presence of CO2; a critical review. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.115943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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On Single and Multiple pH-Sensitive Hydrogel Micro-valves: A 3D Transient Fully Coupled Fluid–Solid Interaction Study. Transp Porous Media 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11242-021-01625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
Dermal interstitial fluid (ISF) is a novel source of biomarkers that can be considered as an alternative to blood sampling for disease diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, in vivo extraction and analysis of ISF are challenging. On the other hand, microneedle (MN) technology can address most of the challenges associated with dermal ISF extraction and is well suited for long-term, continuous ISF monitoring as well as in situ detection. In this review, we first briefly summarise the different dermal ISF collection methods and compare them with MN methods. Next, we elaborate on the design considerations and biocompatibility of MNs. Subsequently, the fabrication technologies of various MNs used for dermal ISF extraction, including solid MNs, hollow MNs, porous MNs, and hydrogel MNs, are thoroughly explained. In addition, different sensing mechanisms of ISF detection are discussed in detail. Subsequently, we identify the challenges and propose the possible solutions associated with ISF extraction. A detailed investigation is provided for the transport and sampling mechanism of ISF in vivo. Also, the current in vitro skin model integrated with the MN arrays is discussed. Finally, future directions to develop a point-of-care (POC) device to sample ISF are proposed.
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Bouhid de Aguiar I, Schroën K. Microfluidics Used as a Tool to Understand and Optimize Membrane Filtration Processes. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E316. [PMID: 33138236 PMCID: PMC7692330 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10110316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Membrane filtration processes are best known for their application in the water, oil, and gas sectors, but also in food production they play an eminent role. Filtration processes are known to suffer from a decrease in efficiency in time due to e.g., particle deposition, also known as fouling and pore blocking. Although these processes are not very well understood at a small scale, smart engineering approaches have been used to keep membrane processes running. Microfluidic devices have been increasingly applied to study membrane filtration processes and accommodate observation and understanding of the filtration process at different scales, from nanometer to millimeter and more. In combination with microscopes and high-speed imaging, microfluidic devices allow real time observation of filtration processes. In this review we will give a general introduction on microfluidic devices used to study membrane filtration behavior, followed by a discussion of how microfluidic devices can be used to understand current challenges. We will then discuss how increased knowledge on fundamental aspects of membrane filtration can help optimize existing processes, before wrapping up with an outlook on future prospects on the use of microfluidics within the field of membrane separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Bouhid de Aguiar
- Membrane Science and Technology—Membrane Processes for Food, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands;
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3D particle transport in multichannel microfluidic networks with rough surfaces. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13848. [PMID: 32796948 PMCID: PMC7427810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70728-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The transport of particles and fluids through multichannel microfluidic networks is influenced by details of the channels. Because channels have micro-scale textures and macro-scale geometries, this transport can differ from the case of ideally smooth channels. Surfaces of real channels have irregular boundary conditions to which streamlines adapt and with which particle interact. In low-Reynolds number flows, particles may experience inertial forces that result in trans-streamline movement and the reorganization of particle distributions. Such transport is intrinsically 3D and an accurate measurement must capture movement in all directions. To measure the effects of non-ideal surface textures on particle transport through complex networks, we developed an extended field-of-view 3D macroscope for high-resolution tracking across large volumes ([Formula: see text]) and investigated a model multichannel microfluidic network. A topographical profile of the microfluidic surfaces provided lattice Boltzmann simulations with a detailed feature map to precisely reconstruct the experimental environment. Particle distributions from simulations closely reproduced those observed experimentally and both measurements were sensitive to the effects of surface roughness. Under the conditions studied, inertial focusing organized large particles into an annular distribution that limited their transport throughout the network while small particles were transported uniformly to all regions.
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Rismanian M, Saidi MS, Kashaninejad N. A microfluidic concentration gradient generator for simultaneous delivery of two reagents on a millimeter-sized sample. J Flow Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s41981-020-00104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Fazeli H, Nooraiepour M, Hellevang H. Microfluidic Study of Fracture Dissolution in Carbonate-Rich Caprocks Subjected to CO2-Charged Brine. Ind Eng Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.9b06048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Fazeli
- Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1047, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mohammad Nooraiepour
- Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1047, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Helge Hellevang
- Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1047, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway
- The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS),
P.O. Box 156, N-9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
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Editorial for Special Issue in Honor of InterPore’s 10th Anniversary. Transp Porous Media 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11242-019-01330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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