Micromixers

Micromixers exploit the almost instantaneous mixing of liquids. Extraordinary fast mixing is obtained because time constants for diffusion are extremely fast on the microscale. Micromixers are typically used in continuous flow configurations and handle small quantities at a time, resulting in improved safety and low consumption of the valuable reagents used in fine chemistry, food processing and pharmacy. If desired, higher throughputs are obtained by the concept of numbering up. The combination with microreactors is a very powerful one, because optimal conditions for the chemical raction are reached instantaneously, resulting in higher efficiency and less by-products.

Micromixers can be fabricated according a number of principles. The figures on the right show a planar-injection-nozzle mixer and a split-and-recombine mixer, respectively.

The fabrication typically involves processes such as deep RIE etching and wafer bonding. Lionix offers development and production of customised micromixers.