A numerical investigation of a novel micro-pump based on the induced charged electrokinetit phenomenon in the presence of a conducting circular obstacle

A new micro-pump based on the electrokinetic phenomenon is numerically studied using a conducting circular obstacle placed in a junction of three micro-channels. The induced-charge electrokinetic flow over the conducting obstacle generates vortices and provides a pressure gradient, resulting in pumping the solution towards the micro-pump outlet. A theoretical model based on the thin electric double layer (EDL) is developed to simulate the influence of the applied electric field on the flow field. The numerical results indicate that the induced pressure and the mass flow rate in the pump outlet are affected by the electric field magnitude, micro-channel walls zeta potential, circular obstacle size and its position. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.