Optimization study of obstacles in T-T mixing channel at low Reynolds numbers

In this study, numerical simulations were conducted to optimize obstacle geometry for improving mixing in T-T mixers at low Reynolds numbers (2 < Re < 100). The study considered obstacles of cylindrical and prismatic shapes and optimized their pitch and geometrical parameters for enhanced mixing. For cylindrical obstacles, the optimized configuration resulted in symmetrical recirculation zones at Re > 30, which led to larger mixing qualities of 80% and 85% for Re values above 30 and 50, respectively. However, the pressure drop increased in the optimized T-T mixer due to the larger size of the obstacles. On the other hand, in the case of prismatic obstacles, the mixing qualities of 80% and 85% were achieved only at relatively higher Re values of 70 and 90, respectively. The recirculation zone formed behind the obstacle was asymmetric due to the asymmetrical shape of the optimized prism. At higher Re, the optimized cylindrical obstacle configuration resulted in better mixing than the prismatic configuration. However, the choking effect in the former increased the pressure drop.