Optimized descriptive model for micromixing in a vortex mixer

This study investigates the relationship between stream properties and quality of mixing in a multi-inlet vortex mixer (MIVM). While the determination of the Reynolds number is unambiguous for systems with a single velocity and length scale, the appropriate definition is not obvious for systems with multiple inlets, velocities, and dimensions such as the MIVM. Regression modeling on data from previous MIVM research was used to develop an optimal formulation for defining the Reynolds number for two-inlet and four-inlet mixers. Incorporation of volumetric weighting factors in the description of the Reynolds number improves the quality of the correlation between mixing effectiveness as measured by competitive reactions and stream flow rates.