Mass transfer and dispersion enhancement using oscillatory motion and nanofluids

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Process intensification and implementation of green technologies such as membrane separation techniques offer very promising approach to meet the challenges stemming from rapid development in consumer demand and constraints from public concern over environment and safety. Unfortunately most of these technologies are limited by low transfer rates caused by concentration polarization, surface fouling and low molecular diffusion. Use of oscillatory motion has proven effective in increasing transfer rates in many applications such as gas-liquid, liquid-liquid, and solid-liquid systems. It can also be used for enhancing performance of applications limited by molecular diffusion such as supported liquid membranes which are emerging as promising alternative to conventional liquid extraction. This however still requires more investigation to determine the effect of oscillation on flow patterns and transfer mechanisms involved and its contribution to the overall enhancement. Another technique that can potentially be applied for augmenting transfer rates is the use of nanofluids. The approach has proven effective in improving thermal conductivities and could therefore affect mass transport in a similar way. Combining this with oscillatory motion could offer an attractive option for enhancing the performance of applications limited by molecular diffusion and/or low interfacial transfer rate. Unfortunately, no information is available on the use of nanofluids for mass transfer or dispersion enhancement. The main objective of this research program is address the above issues, and to gain the required knowledge to enable the effective use of oscillatory motion and nanofluids for mass transfer and dispersion enhancement. A second objective of this research program is to investigate the potential of achieving optimum oscillatory conditions using passive means such as self-sustained oscillation as an alternative to forced oscillation which adds to the complexity and energy consumption of the process.