Laminar flow emulsification is possible with microchannel processing. Microchannel processing for chemical process intensification has seen significant worldwide development over the last decade.9 Velocys is commercializing a microchannel technology for use in the chemical industry in applications ranging from very large-scale commodity chemicals10,11 to small-scale specialties. The microchannel emulsification concept described in this paper1 is similar to conventional, cylindrical membrane systems in that an apertured substrate is used to introduce the dispersed phase as the continuous phase sweeps the droplets off the surface via cross-flow shear. However, because the described microchannel emulsifier uses a planar architecture, it offers several advantages over other membrane systems.
Heat exchange channels are more easily integrated with process (emulsification) layers for tighter control of temperature and the possibility of very fast heating or cooling rates before and/or after emulsification.