Issue 13, 2009

Distillation in microchemical systems using capillary forces and segmented flow

Abstract

Distillation is a ubiquitous method of separating liquid mixtures based on differences in volatility. Performing such separations in microfluidic systems is difficult because interfacial forces dominate over gravitational forces. We describe distillation in microchemical systems and present an integrated silicon device capable of separating liquid mixtures based on boiling point differences. Microfluidic distillation is realized by establishing vapor–liquid equilibrium during segmented flow. Enriched vapor in equilibrium with liquid is then separated using capillary forces, and thus enabling a single-stage distillation operation. Design criteria for operation of on-chip distillation is set forth, and the working principle demonstrated by separation of binary mixtures of 50 : 50 mol% MeOHtoluene and 50 : 50 mol% DCMtoluene at 70.0 °C. Analysis of vapor condensate and liquid exiting a single-stage device gave MeOH mole fractions of 0.22 ± 0.03 (liquid) and 0.79 ± 0.06 (vapor). Similarly, DCM mole fractions were estimated to be 0.16 ± 0.07 (liquid) and 0.63 ± 0.05 (vapor). These experimental results were consistent with phase equilibrium predictions.

Graphical abstract: Distillation in microchemical systems using capillary forces and segmented flow

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
27 Jan 2009
Accepted
25 Mar 2009
First published
07 Apr 2009

Lab Chip, 2009,9, 1843-1849

Distillation in microchemical systems using capillary forces and segmented flow

R. L. Hartman, H. R. Sahoo, B. C. Yen and K. F. Jensen, Lab Chip, 2009, 9, 1843 DOI: 10.1039/B901790A

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