The research paper titled, “Organic compounds generated after the flow of water through micro-orifices: Were they synthesized?” and “Organic compounds synthesized after the flow of the pure, tap and sea waters through micro-orifices” is written by Tomiichi Hasegawa. According to Hasegawa, the flow of water through fine holes is vital in modern fluid mechanics due to its potential use in the biological and industrial field. However, the flow is not fully understood yet. Hasegawa’s previous findings showed that when passing ultrapure water (UPW) in which air was dissolved (UPW*) through micro-orifices, it was found that the flow velocity decreased and stopped over time, and membranes were frequently formed in the orifice when the flow stopped.
In the current study, Hasegawa and the team have made an attempt to clarify the components of the membrane and have further suggested a mechanism for membrane formation. They examined anomalies that accompanied the flow of water through micro-orifices.
In this study two types of UPW were used i.e., UPW (that was exposed to air) and UPW* (in which air was dissolved), and UPW that was kept from contact with air (UPW0). Hasegawa’s previous findings showed that when passing ultrapure water (UPW) in which air was dissolved (UPW*) through micro-orifices, it was found that the flow velocity decreased and stopped over time, and membranes were frequently formed in the orifice when the flow stopped. Membranes were frequently observed in the orifice.
According to the Hasegawa and group of scientists, the chemical components and origin of the membranes generated in micro-orifices after the flow stops have not been reported previously, but through the course of their research paper, they discuss several articles that are related to their conclusions.
The team continued to delve deep into the research and they confirmed that dissolved air in water is the origin of the membrane by further examining leaching from the acrylic resin of the apparatus, organic matter originally present in the water, and dissolved water. The acrylic resin was replaced by fluorocarbon (or silica glass) and obtained data of no difference with those of acrylic resin.
Furthermore, UPW* was examined by Raman and Infrared (IR) spectra. The scientists irradiated UPW* with Ultraviolet (UV) light to eliminate the organic compounds which might have been left in UPW*. They conducted a couple of preliminary experiments, details of which can be found in the research paper. Their findings showed no great differences between UPW* and UV-irradiated UPW* for PCM images, Raman and IR spectra.
To summarize, the conclusions showed that membrane came from the dissolved air. The Raman and IR spectroscopy revealed that the membrane comprised organic matter including carotenoids, sugars, amides, and esters. The findings also showed that when UPW0 was bubbled with Ar, it produced no membrane. However, when UPW0 was bubbled with CO2 it produced a membrane that contained carboxylic acid salts. In addition to the above, Hasegawa observed that electric grounding of the orifice reduced the probability of membrane formation, and the jets issuing from an aperture bore negative charges. The team assumed that the micro-orifices possessed positive charges generated by the flows.
Hasegawa and the team have suggested that organic materials are synthesized in micro-orifices from the inorganic compounds in air or CO2 dissolved in water by the action of the hydroxyl radicals induced by flows.
Micro-fluid mechanics is rapidly evolving as it spans various fields of science and engineering. Its integral role in the fields of health, electronics, food safety, and environment cannot be ignored. Researches have continually pushed the boundaries in this field and Hasegawa’s contribution to this field will also aid the young researchers and scientists.
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