Method and Mixing Device for Mixing Two Fluids, and Use Thereof

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a method and device for efficiently mixing two fluids (liquids or gases) using a passive microfluidic actuator. The system creates a main flow of one fluid within a channel, then injects the second fluid perpendicular to the main flow using an actuator that generates a self-sustaining, pulsating or oscillating injection. This passive mechanism enhances mixing quality without moving parts or active controls, allowing for better adaptability to different applications.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Mixing fuel and air in combustion engines and burners for improved efficiency and reduced emissions.
• Chemical industry applications such as T-mixers or tubular reactors for more uniform chemical reactions.
• Microfluidic systems in laboratory-on-a-chip devices where precise and efficient mixing is important.
• Aeronautic engineering, including the use in NACA airfoil profiles to control and enhance fuel/air mixing or fluid flow.
• Water treatment facilities for effective mixing of additives or chemicals in flowing water streams.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly improves the mixing efficiency between two fluids via pulsating or oscillating flows.
• Requires no active elements or moving parts, ensuring higher reliability and lower maintenance requirements.
• Adaptable to a wide variety of channel geometries and flow conditions due to the customizable cavity structure in the actuator.
• Enables fine control over mixing parameters by adjusting flow and actuator configuration.
• Can be scaled for both industrial and micro-scale applications, enabling broader usage.
• Potentially reduces energy consumption compared to conventional mixing devices.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for mixing two fluids, wherein the method has the following steps: generating a flow of a fluid along a flow duct (1), providing a pulsating/oscillating injection flow of a further fluid by virtue of the further fluid being conducted through a cavity structure of a passive microfluidic actuator device (2), the outlet of which is coupled via an injection device to the flow duct (1) and which is configured so as to generate the pulsating/oscillating injection flow with a pulsation/oscillation frequency in a self-inducing manner, and mixing the fluid and the further fluid by virtue of the pulsating/oscillating injection flow of the further fluid via the injection device being introduced into the flow of the fluid perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid in the flow duct (1). Also provided is a device and the use of the method.