Flow transitions in triple-helical microchannel involving novel parallel flow patterns

Triple-helical microchannel (THM) constitutes a unique configuration for implementing parallel flows with enhanced interfacial mass transfer through torsion-induced advection in the bulk phases. Key operational aspects include identifying stable regimes of flow respect to phase rates and characterizing intensification achieved secondary flow. The current work investigates two-phase flow, typical liquid–liquid extraction operation, inside THM over wide range rates. Flow visualization allied image analysis revealed sequential transition increasing ratio organic aqueous (qO/qA): from one “arc” helical regime qO/qA<1 an intermittent slug finally another “clip” qO/qA≥1. is theoretically explained based on different instability phenomena, effects centrifugal forces. were exclusively assessed by evaluating fields contours obtained experimentally quantifying Dean number individual Results establish greater stability clip higher capillary also this number. Overall, elucidates operation THM, unfolding novel phenomena physics.