Clogging of microporous channels networks: role of connectivity and tortuosity

International audienceThe aim of this work is to study the pore blocking by the use of microfluidic devices (microseparators) and numerical simulation approaches. The microseparators are made in PDMS and are constituted of an array of microchannels 20 μm wide with three types of structure: straight microchannels, connected microchannels (or aligned square pillars) and staggered square pillars in order to mimic merely the complexity of the flow encountered in filters or membranes (tortuosity, connectivity between pores). Direct observation with video microscopy of filtrations of 5 μm latex particles has been performed to examine the capture of particles. The results show a piling up of particles within the porous media leading to a clogging. The capture efficiency remains low (