Study on Gas–Liquid Two-Phase Flow and Mass Transfer Characteristics in Microchannel Reactors

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Abstract
Owing to their superior mass and heat transfer performance, microreactors have emerged as a research hotspot in novel intensified equipment in recent years. This study experimentally investigates the gas–liquid flow behavior and mass transfer characteristics in microchannel reactors for viscous systems, focusing on the effects of superficial gas and liquid velocities, viscosity, and spiral turbulence elements on T-type microchannel reactors (T-MCRs). Four flow regimes are identified in the T-MCR, where viscosity significantly influences regime distribution and Taylor bubble morphology. In contrast, the spiral-wired T-MCR (T-MCR-SW) is dominated by “serpentine Taylor flow”. Increased viscosity leads to elevated pressure drop and reduced CO2 saturation in both reactors, with the T-MCR-SW exhibiting a notably higher pressure drop. The impact of gas–liquid flow rates on CO2 saturation varies with reactor type and viscosity. The total volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) of the T-MCR-SW is substantially higher than that of the T-MCR, but its pressure drop is nearly doubled. Thus, a balance between mass transfer efficiency and energy consumption must be considered for practical applications. This work provides valuable insights for the design and optimization of microreactors in viscous systems.

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