Multi-channel heat exchanger-reactor using arborescent distributors: A characterization study of fluid distribution, heat exchange performance and exothermic reaction

A multi-functional heat exchanger-reactor comprising arborescent (tree-like) distributors and collector, 16 mini-channels in parallel and T-mixers is introduced in this paper. Flow distribution property, pressure drop and heat exchange performance of proposed heat exchanger-reactor are tested and discussed. Firstly, flow distribution uniformity is characterized by CFD simulation and then qualitatively confirmed by visualization experiment. Results show that for total flowrates ranging from 5 mL s−1 to 20 mL s−1, good distribution uniformity is obtained, with maximum flowrate deviation less than 10%. Then, experiments of heat exchange between hot and cold water are carried out. High values of overall heat transfer coefficient ranging from 2000 to 5000 W m−2 °C−1 are obtained under our working conditions. The volumetric heat exchange capability (UA/V) is found to be around 200 kW m−3 °C−1, showing a high heat exchange capability with compact design. The roles of end-effect and non-established flow are discussed and are supposed to be responsible for efficient heat transfer. Finally a typical fast exothermic reaction, neutralization between acid and basic solutions, is carried out to test the thermal control capability of the studied heat exchanger-reactor. Results indicate that isothermal condition could be realized by circulating appropriate flowrate of coolant through the heat exchanger. The design of heat exchanger-reactor with arborescent distributor and collector makes possible the application of multi-channel systems. This paper introduces systematically the successful integration of heat exchanger-reactor and its performance evaluation. [Display omitted] •A design of mini scale, multichannel heat exchanger-reactor is proposed.•Uniform distribution for parallel channels is obtained with arborescent structure.•High global heat exchange coefficient is found experimentally.•Thermal control capability is verified with an exothermic reaction.