Articles

The requirement for any configuration of a chemical or biochemical reactor is the presence of efficient mixing to enhance heat and mass transfer as needed for the application of interest. Furthermore, as an Oscillatory Flow (OF) reactor has a combination of flow oscillation and baffled tube configuration, which has the potential to ensure efficient mixing, heat transfer, and mass transfer. In this way, an efficient mixing in an OF reactor is able to tackle any type of resistance in any chemical process from polymer synthesis to enzyme production. It has been observed that an OF reactor improved both conversion and selectivity of the relevant reaction by efficient mixing and transport properties. However, this technology was not still extended to mini-fluidic configuration via process intensification methods and so far, a novel approach for enhanced mixing at reduced scales was not explored. This work explores the application of OF technology in mini-fluidics. The feasibility analysis of Oscillatory Flow Technology in mini channels has been investigated using theoretical correlations from Conventional Oscillatory flow technology in process equipment. As a preliminary step in the process intensification of OF technology in mini channels, The Nusselt number (Nu) and pressure drop values are predicted from the literature and it has been observed that the transfer operations are also improved when oscillatory flow is applied in mini channels compared to commercial mini contactors such as corning heart shaped reactor. The plot between energy dissipation vs. mixing evaluated from theoretical calculations was drawn and compared with mini-fluidic mixers reported in literature. The most common mini-fluidic mixer is corning heart shaped reactor used for comparison with the proposed minichannel. Because of this analysis, the novel mixing geometries was expected to develop for various chemical processing applications. The OFT experimental set up was developed to create oscillatory flow via either forward rotation or backward rotation of valve. Furthermore, pressure vs. time profile and flow vs. time profile for the given OF mini fluidic arrangement is initially investigated and described. Preliminary experimental results are provided for an OF generator, intended for use in subsequent experiments exploring mini-fluidic mixers with OF technology.

The heart remained a mystery for many years and was considered surgically untouchable. With the use of extracorporeal circulation, there has been a revolution in this area. Due to its mechanical components and interactions with blood, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) can cause significant changes in the body. Factors such as contact between artificial materials and blood, continuous flow, hemodilution, hypothermia and anticoagulation affect all organs during CPB, and may result in various complications. The minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation (MiECC) system was developed to minimize the contact of blood with air and foreign surfaces during conventional CPB. In addition, the biocompatibility of the components that make up the MiECC circuits increased, which reduced the inflammatory response. The absence of a venous reservoir and shorter lines allow the prime volume to be used to decrease, which also reduces the damage to the blood elements, and consequently, the need for blood transfusion. The MiECC system also has its downsides, the most important one being the difficulty in removing the air that can enter through the venous line, the impairment of the pump function, and embolization. During the use of these systems, perfusion safety and communication with the whole team must be at the highest level. In line with this information, the use of these systems can become standard in cardiac surgery with new technological additions.