The structure-effect relationship between inline high shear mixers and micromixing: Experiment and CFD simulation

High shear mixers (HSMs) can facilitate rapid reactions and control nanoparticle preparation due to their excellent micromixing, but little is known about the sophisticated relationship between HSM geometry and micromixing. Herein, experiments and numerical simulations along with a modified finite rate/eddy dissipation model are used to investigate how structure influences micromixing. Micromixing and chemical reaction results at different rotor–stator relative positions are presented, and structure-effect relationships between rotor–stator structure and micromixing are explored. A larger rotor–stator row can help reduce fluid backmixing and short-circuiting, and a smaller shear gap may increase energy dissipation, as well as a wider slot that will extend the residence time of H+ in the high energy dissipation region. In all these ways, HSM micromixing will be improved. Micromixing time tm (about 10-4 s) is obtained based on E model and incorporation model, and the HSM selection guide for fast chemical reactions is presented.