MICROCHANNEL-TYPE FLUID MIXING APPARATUS USING AC ELECTROOSMOTIC FLOWS (AC-EOF) AND INCLINED-ELECTRODE PATTERNS

摘要

The present invention provides a microchannel-type fluid mixing apparatus using AC electroosmotic flows (AC-EOF) for inducing the mixing of fluid materials flowing in a microchannel and inclined-electrode patterns. The fluid mixing apparatus according to the present invention enables the electrical connection between the respective electrodes arranged inclinedly along a lengthwise direction of a microchannel on an inner bottom wall surface of the microchannel and the power supply unit for supplying AC power is controlled by the controller so that AC power form the power supply unit is applied to the electrodes in two patterns alternately performed over time. Thus, the fluid materials vortically flow in a vertical direction over the respective electrodes while changing their rotational direction over time, leading to a smooth mixing of the fluid materials. Particularly, the present invention enhances the mixing efficiency of fluid materials while employing a simplified electrode arrangement structure.