Numbering-up strategies of micro-chemical process: Uniformity of distribution of multiphase flow in parallel microchannels

Abstract The key step in micro-chemical technology from basic research to industrial applications is the scaling-up of micro-chemical processes. In order to realize the high-throughput, easy-to-control and uniform production of the products in the industrialized operation, the “numbering-up” of the micro-chemical process is mainly achieved from two directions: fluid distribution among the multi-channels and splitting of products step-by-step. Based on the two major directions, in the present review, the key scientific issue of “uniformity of distribution of multiphase flow in parallel microchannels” is focused, the progress of the numbering-up of micro-chemical process is described, and the directions for the research in the future are prospected.

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