Development and Application of 3D Printed Mesoreactors in Chemical Engineering Education

Abstract

3D printing technology has an enormous potential to apply to chemical engineering education. In this paper, we describe several designs of 3D printed mesoreactors (Y-shape, T-shape, and Long channel shape) using the following steps: reactor sketching, CAD modeling, and reactor printing. With a focus on continuous plug flow mesoreactors (PFRs, i.d. = 2 mm), fluid mixing phenomena were explored by using a passive mixing method. The small channel of mesoreactors facilitates the stability of a laminar flow in the system at low Reynolds number. With changes in flow rates (0.2 and 4.0 mL/min) and channel geometry (0° and 90° outlet angle), fluid mixing was controlled. Our results provided that 3D printed mesoreactors can be possibly used in teaching fluid dynamics, chemical kinetics, and reaction engineering, which are main courses of the chemical engineering undergraduate program. Furthermore, the cost of mesoreactor printing was suitable (<$1.00/microreactor) for education.

3D‐Structured Monoliths of Nanoporous Polymers by Additive Manufacturing

“…The initial applications in reaction engineering were the preparation of laboratory equipment and reactors [17], followed by the preparation of catalyst supports and catalytic materials [18]. Based on FDM especially the processing of composite filaments poses a great challenge as they consist of the thermoplastic polymer as printable binder matrix and typically inorganic or hybrid solid particles as filler material.…”

3D printing for chemical, pharmaceutical and biological applications

“…38 Experimental teaching aids have also been conceptualised, introducing students to the basics of continuous flow through simplistic mixing devices that illustrate the principles of flow chemistry and mixing. 39 Workshops instructing the building and use of REPRAP 3D printers for classroom settings have also been undertaken. Teachers were able to assemble and use 3D printing instrumentation, describing a transformative and empowering effect of this technology within the classroom environment.…”

An open source toolkit for 3D printed fluidics

“…Numerous functional 3D printed devices have been developed for practical application in both research and undergraduate teaching laboratories such as low-cost syringe pumps [15,16]. Various other printable components can be used to demonstrate the basic principles behind flow chemistry and fluid dynamics [17,18]. Such devices allow for innovative flow experiments to be made accessible to both college and undergraduate students at a low cost that aid teaching of concepts such as flow profile and mixing.…”