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Liquid–liquid microflows in micro-sieve dispersion devices with dual pore size

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Abstract

Here we present the liquid–liquid microflows and dispersion rules in micro-sieve devices with two different sized pores. The flow pattern, flux distribution and droplet size were investigated to discuss the effect of pore size deviation. Three flow patterns including drip** flow from a single active pore, drip**–drip** flow and drip**–jetting flow from two active pores were identified. A modified active pore model based on a pressure drop balance has been established. The model can predict the transition from a single active pore flow regime to a two active pore flow regime very well. In the latter regime, interactions between the small and large pores can result in drip**–drip** flow at low trans-pore flux and drip**–jetting flow at high trans-pore flux. Controlling the flow pattern in drip**–drip** flow is favorable to decreasing droplet polydispersity.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (20876084, 21036002) and the 863 program (2008AA062301) for this work.

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Correspondence to G. S. Luo.

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Shao, H.W., Lu, Y.C., Wang, K. et al. Liquid–liquid microflows in micro-sieve dispersion devices with dual pore size. Microfluid Nanofluid 12, 705–714 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-011-0914-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-011-0914-2

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