3D Sub-Micro Particle Distribution in Microchannel by ECT and Comparison with Simulation

JeEun CHOI*? Masahiro TAKEI**

*Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nihon University 1-8-14 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8308)

**Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University

ABSTRACT

The application of process computed tomography to microchannels is considered in this paper. Using the process computed tomography system in microchannel, a particle distribution image can be obtained in a multiphase flow. Based on the reconstructed image, it is easy to estimate the particle diffusion behaviors in a fluid flow. A microchannel system is designed for process computed tomography, the fabrication of a microchannel with 80 electrodes and the measured impedance of an electrode in the microchannel. The manufacturing process for the microchannel is successfully completed by compressing two quartz glass layers with a platinum electrode. The sub-microparticle distribution was measured in the cross-section of microchannel by using micro process tomography. The sub-microparticle distribution is changed to the time. Usually the sub-microparticle is distributed in the center of cross-section. A numerical simulation for the sub-microparticle distribution was performed by combining the discrete element method and computational fluid dynamics in a three-dimensional domain. Distribution images of the sub-microparticle were obtained by the simulation. The sub- microparticles move toward the outlet area and leave the container through the outlet, although some of the sub-microparticles concentrate at the center side.

Keywords Multiphase flow, Microchannel, Electrical capacitance tomography, Sub-nano particle