Combined heat and mass transfer analyses in catalytic microreactors partially filled with porous material- the influences of nanofluid and different porous-fluid interface models

Guthrie, D. G.P., Torabi, M. and Karimi, N. (2019) Combined heat and mass transfer analyses in catalytic microreactors partially filled with porous material- the influences of nanofluid and different porous-fluid interface models. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 140, pp. 96-113. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2019.02.037)

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Abstract

This paper reports a theoretical analysis of heat and mass transfer in the microchannels partially filled with porous materials and used in thermos-chemical microreactors. A first order catalytic chemical reaction is considered on the internal surfaces of a parallel-plates microchannel. The local thermal non-equilibrium approach along with two well-established porous-fluid interface models is employed to investigate the heat transfer within the porous section of the microreactor. The analysis further accounts for the finite thickness of the surrounding solid walls of the microchannel. The dispersion equations in both porous and clear sections of the microchannel are coupled with the fluid temperature through considering the thermal diffusion of mass. In addition, to enhance heat transfer in the partially-filled microchannel, the base fluid is replaced by a nanofluid. The results show that inclusion of the finite thickness of the walls in the thermal analysis can majorly affect the temperature fields and Nusselt number (Nu). In particular, the optimal thickness of the porous insert for achieving the maximum Nu is found to be strongly influenced by the wall thickness. It is also shown that the specific porous-fluid interface model, thicknesses of the porous section and that of the walls, and the volumetric concentration of the nanoparticles can all impart significant effects upon the concentration of chemical species and their distribution across the microchannel. More specifically, the concentration field within the porous region is found to be considerably dependent on the implemented porous-fluid interface model.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Karimi, Dr Nader and Guthrie, Mr David George Pe
Authors: Guthrie, D. G.P., Torabi, M., and Karimi, N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:International Journal of Thermal Sciences
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1290-0729
ISSN (Online):1778-4166
Published Online:06 March 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 Elsevier
First Published:First published in International Journal of Thermal Sciences 140:96-113
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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