Prediction of sizes and frequencies of nanoliter-sized droplets in cylindrical T-junction microfluidics

摘要: We study the formation of nanoliter-sized droplets in a microfluidic system composed T-junction PEEK and tubing Teflon. This system, practical for ‘plug play’ set-up, is designed droplet-based experiments crystallization with statistical approach. Hence aim to generate hundreds identical size composition spatially homogeneous. Therefore, parameters control are droplet frequency. However, geometry not perfect and, moreover, its channels circular, as opposed planar geometries rectangular cross-sections that usually used. based on 3D 2D simulations, we observe same regimes generation circular geometries, stability. refer velocities instead flow rates characterize system. Then define operating range terms frequency through empirical relations using total velocity, velocity ratio capillary number, ensure homogeneous 500 µm 1 mm diameters.