Mass transfer characteristics of ferrofluids flowing through a microchannel under AC magnetic field

The gas absorption process in a Y-shaped microchannel utilizing magnetic nanofluids stimulated within an alternating current magnetic field (AC mf) was studied. Absorption of CO2 under different operation conditions, ferrofluid concentration, and magnetic field strengths were investigated to analyze the liquid-side overall mass transfer coefficient (KLa), CO2 absorption efficiency (E), nanoparticle enhancement factor (alpha), magnetic field enhancement factor (gamma), and pressure drop (Delta p). The magnetic field strengths were 7, 12.6, and 21 mT accompanied by various ferrofluid concentrations within 0.001-0.004 (v/v). The ferrofluids were water-based colloids of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. The gas-liquid flow patterns were Taylor flow regime in all experi-ments. Furthermore, the position of the microchannel in the magnetic field was studied as an effective factor in CO2 absorption enhancement. The position in which the microchannel was held on the top inside the magnetic field reflected more gas absorption compared to the other positions. While exerting magnetic field strength of 21 mT, a maximum enhancement of 72.2% was observed for KLa compared to the case in which the magnetic field was absent.