Flow-induced particle migration in microchannels for improved microfiltration processes

Clogging is one of the main failure mechanisms encountered in industrial processes such as membrane filtration. Our understanding of the factors that govern the build-up of fouling layers and the emergence of clogs is largely incomplete, so that prevention of clogging remains an immense and costly challenge. In this paper we use a microfluidic model combined with quantitative real-time imaging to explore the influence of pore geometry and particle interactions on suspension clogging in constrictions, two crucial factors which remain relatively unexplored. We find a distinct dependence of the clogging rate on the entrance angle to a membrane pore which we explain quantitatively by deriving a model, based on transition-state theory, which describes the effect of viscous forces on the rate with which particles accumulate at the channel walls. With the same model we can also predict the effect of the particle interaction potential on the clogging rate. In both cases we find excellent agreement between our experimental data and theory. A better understanding of these clogging mechanisms and the influence of design parameters could form a stepping stone to delay or prevent clogging by rational membrane design.

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“…5a. For small particles, the particle Reynolds number is low (in our experiments Re p ~ 6 ⋅ 10 −3 ), such that inertial lift can be ignored20.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 83%

Transition-state theory predicts clogging at the microscale

Laar

Klooster

Schroën

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

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“…This finding was confirmed by Lyon and Leal (1998b), who reported velocity and concentration profiles of 45-and 155-mm particles in a rectangular channel measured by laser Doppler velocimetry. For smaller particles (1.53 and 2.65 mm), these effects were reported by Dinther et al (2013b). For smaller particles (1.53 and 2.65 mm), these effects were reported by Dinther et al (2013b).…”

Section: Concentration and Velocity Profiles In Monodispersed Suspensmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…In its infancy the diffusive behaviour of concentrated monodispersed suspensions was experimentally determined from viscosity gradients in Couette flow (Leighton and Acrivos, 1987b). Laser Doppler velocimetry (Lyon and Leal, 1998a,b), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (Abbott et al, 1991) and confocal scanning light microscopy (CLSM) (Dinther et al, 2013b) have more recently made direct online visualisation of dilute suspensions possible. An overview of the published data and observed trends is provided in this section, starting with monodispersed suspensions, which are briefly touched on, followed by bi-/polydispersed suspensions.…”

Section: Experimental Evaluation Of Shear-induced Migration (Sim)mentioning

confidence: 99%

A review of shear-induced particle migration for enhanced filtration and fractionation

Klaver¹,

Schroën²

2015

Modeling Food Processing Operations

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“…The effect of SID has been experimentally investigated by Van Dinther and coworkers [21][22][23], and they found the high separation efficiency of a bidisperse suspension in a system consisting of a non-porous channel and a porous region, depending on the process conditions used. In order to facilitate process design, we have set up and validated a CFD model, which describes the effect of SID in a non-porous channel only, for a monodisperse suspension in earlier work [10].…”

Section: Shear Induced Diffusion Based Segregationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modelling Shear Induced Diffusion Based Particle Segregation: A Basis for Novel Separation Technology

Drijer

Schroën

2018

Applied Sciences

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Shear induced diffusion (SID) based flow segregation is a technique that can be used for concentration and fractionation purposes, and it has the potential to become an economical and sustainable alternative for e.g., membrane separation. When compared to conventional microfiltration, problems related to fouling and cleaning are expected to be minimal. To make the best use of the opportunities that this technique holds, detailed insights in flow and particle behavior are needed. Modelling this process allows for us to chart particle segregation in flow, as well as the effect of suspension removal through a pore and the restoration of the flow profile after the pore. As a starting point, we take the computation fluid dynamics (CFD) model that is presented in a previous study. A difference in channel height to particle diameter ratio influences the entrance length of the SID profile as well as its fully developed profile. When extracting liquid through one pore, particles are systematically transmitted at a lower concentration (59-78%) than is present in the bulk. The recovery lengths of the SID profile after the pore were short, and thus pores can be placed at realistic distances, which forms a good foundation for further design of this novel separation technology that will ultimately be applied for fractionation of particles taking relatively small differences in diffusive behavior as a starting point.

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Flow-induced particle migration in microchannels for improved microfiltration processes

Cited by 25 publications

References 49 publications

Transition-state theory predicts clogging at the microscale

Transition-state theory predicts clogging at the microscale

A review of shear-induced particle migration for enhanced filtration and fractionation

Modelling Shear Induced Diffusion Based Particle Segregation: A Basis for Novel Separation Technology

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