Investigation of the Influence of Key Parameters on the Mixing Efficiency of Two Fluids in Multi-Stage Micro-Mixers Based on Tesla Valve Structure

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahziyar Ghaedi 1
Hamid-Reza Bahrami 2
1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Mechanic, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Qom University of Technology, Qom, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qom University of Technology, Qom, Iran
20.1001.1/ijge.2024.723185
Abstract
Micro-mixers play a significant role in the gas industry in achieving uniform gas mixing at micro-scales and reducing energy consumption. One approach to constructing micro-mixers involves using multiple stages of Tesla valves, which guide and blend flow through a special design. This study uses the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method and finite volume-based solver to investigate the impact of parameters such as configuration direction (direct and oblique), number of stages, Reynolds number, inlet velocity difference, and flow direction on the performance of Tesla micro-mixers. Results show that arrangement efficiency depends on the inlet Reynolds number; at low Reynolds numbers, direct configurations perform better, with approximately 20% higher mixing efficiency at Reynolds number one compared to oblique configurations. At higher Reynolds numbers, oblique configurations prove more effective, with 20% better performance. Additionally, in all cases, oblique configurations create more pressure drop, impacting the overall system efficiency
Keywords
Tesla valve
micro-mixer
micro-valve
mixing
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 23 November 2024
  • Revise Date 13 December 2024
  • Accept Date 24 December 2024