Distribution and Mass Transfer of Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Comb-Shaped Microchannels

Abstract

For gas–liquid two-phase flow in comb-shaped microchannels, operating conditions could change the flow pattern and the uniformity of flow distribution and further affect the mass transfer performance. In this study, the hydrodynamics and mass transfer of gas–liquid two-phase flow in comb-shaped microchannels are investigated. Four flow patterns are observed: single-phase or foam flow, slug-bubbly flow, slug flow, and compact slug flow. When the flow pattern is slug flow, the flow distribution and velocity distribution in the microchannel are ideal, and its mass transfer performance is close to that of a single microchannel. Before the appearance of slug flow, the uniformity of flow distribution and mass transfer performance are improved with the increase of the ratio of gas–liquid flow rate. After the appearance of slug flow, the uniformity of flow distribution and mass transfer performance are deteriorated with the increase of the ratio of gas–liquid flow rate.