(640f) Two-Phase Fluid Separation in Microscale-Based H-S Cell; Experiment and Modeling

Two-Phase
Fluid Separation in Microscale-Based H-S Cell;

Experiment
and Modeling

Frederick
Atadana¹, Ray Wheeler² and Goran Jovanovic¹

¹Oregon State
University, Microproducts Breakthrough Institute, Corvallis, Oregon

²Umpqua Research
Co.; Myrtle Creek, Oregon

In this work a novel design of the
Hele-Shaw cell in the form of micropost lamina was used to achieve efficient
and low cost separation of immiscible fluids. The device makes use of capillary
pressure gradient, which is the source of driving force, for separation of
two-phase fluid systems in micro scale structures. This novel approach is most
applicable for separation of discrete bubbles/droplets from continuous fluid
phase. The capillary pressure can be manipulated by the geometric design of device,
changing the surface wetting properties of the device, and establishment of a temperature
gradient. The device was tested on separation of water and oil, and water and
air. Numerical simulation and preliminary experimental results of 50% aqueous
and 50% air by volume, showed successful separation of the two phases. The
application was extended to liquid-liquid extraction of shikimic using organic
solvent from an aqueous solution. The results showed significant extraction of
shikimic acid from aqueous solution.