Salting‐out crystallisation using NH3 in a laboratory‐scale gas lift reactor

Despite the advantages offered by gas lift reactors with respect to high gas–liquid mass transfer with a low energy input, their acceptance in the crystallisation field has been slow, especially on an industrial scale. Potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, and magnesium chloride hexammoniate (MgCl₂·6NH₃) were crystallised in a laboratory‐scale gas lift crystalliser by salting‐out using ammonia gas. Ammonia mass transfer rates were calculated for each test. To achieve maximum crystal growth, the gas rate in these reactors needs to be optimised for each crystallising system to achieve sufficient gas mass transfer as well as providing sufficient crystal slurry agitation.     

Multistage rotor‐stator spinning disc reactor

The scale up of a rotor‐stator spinning disc reactor by stacking single stage rotor‐stator units in series is demonstrated. The gas‐liquid mass transfer per stage is equal to the mass transfer in a single stage spinning disc reactor. The pressure drop per stage increases with increasing rotational disc speed and liquid flow rate. The pressure drop is more than a factor 2 higher for gas‐liquid flow than for liquid flow only, and is up to 0.64 bar at 459 rad s^?1. The high mass and heat transfer coefficients in the (multistage) rotor‐stator spinning disc reactor make it especially suitable for reactions with dangerous reactants, highly exothermic reactions and reactions where selectivity issues can be solved by high mass transfer rates. Additionally, the multistage rotor‐stator spinning disc reactor mimics plug flow behavior, which is beneficial for most processes. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012     

Hydrogenation of 2‐ethylanthraquinone under Taylor flow in single square channel monolith reactors

The hydrogenation of 2‐ethylanthraquinone (EAQ) to 2‐ethylanthrahydroquinone (EAHQ) was carried out under Taylor flow in single square channel monolith reactors. The two opening ends of opaque reaction channel were connected with two circular transparent quartz‐glass capillaries, where Taylor flow hydrodynamics parameters were measured and further used to obtain practical flow state of reactants in square reaction channels. A carefully designed gas‐liquid inlet mixer was used to supply steady gas bubbles and liquid slugs with desired length. The effects of various operating parameters, involving superficial gas velocity, superficial liquid velocity, gas bubble length, liquid slug length, two‐phase velocity and temperature, on EAQ conversion were systematically researched. Based on EAQ conversion, experimental overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients were calculated, and also studied as functions of various parameters as mentioned earlier. The film model, penetration model, and existing semi‐empirical formula were used to predict gas‐solid, gas‐liquid, and liquid‐solid volumetric mass transfer coefficients in Taylor flow, respectively. The predicted overall volumetric mass transfer coefficients agreed well with the experimental ones. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009     

Gas—liauid mass transfer in three-phase stirred tank reagors: Newtonian and non-newtonian fluids

Gas—liquid mass transfer has been investigated in gas—liquid-solid three-phase stirred tank reactors with Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids. Volumetric mass transfer coefficients and gas hold-ups were measured in a 0.2 m i.d. stirred tank reactor and the effects of low-density polymeric particles (ρ_s, =1030 and 1200 kg/m³; up to 15 vol%) on gas—liquid mass transfer were examined. The volumetric mass transfer coefficients in water were found to decrease due to the presence of solid particles at constant impeller speed and superficial gas velocity. On the other hand, solids loading led to higher mass transfer rates in non-Newtonian carboxymethyl cellulose aqueous solutions. Our previously proposed model for mass transfer in gas—liquid two-phase systems was extended to gas—liquid—solid three-phase systems. Reasonable agreement was found between the predictions of the proposed model and the experimental data.     

Gas holdup and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in a modified reversed flow jet loop reactor

Experiments were conducted in a modified reversed flow jet loop reactor having the liquid outlet at the top of the reactor to determine the gas holdup and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in the air-water system. The influence of gas and liquid flow rates, and the draft tube to reactor diameter ratio were studied. It was observed that both gas holdup and volumetric mass transfer coefficient increased with increased gas and liquid flow rates and were found to be significantly higher in the modified reactor compared to the conventional one. The optimum draft tube to reactor diameter ratio was found to be in the range of 0.4 to 0.5. Empirical correlations are presented to predict gas holdup and overall volumetric mass transfer coefficient in terms of operational and geometrical variables.     

LIQUID-SOLID MASS TRANSFER AT HORIZONTAL WOVEN SCREENS WITH UPWARD COCURRENT GAS-LIQUID FLOW

Rates of liquid-solid mass transfer at horizontal single screens and an array of horizontal parallel separated screens were studied under upward cocurrent gas (N₂)-liquid bubbly flow using the electrochemical technique. Variables studied were gas and liquid flow rates, and screen characteristics (e.g., mesh number and wire diameter)

Under the present conditions where relatively low solution flow rates were used the rate of mass transfer was found to be mainly determined by the gas flow rate. For a given gas flow rate, the mass transfer coefficient decreased with increasing solution flow rate. The data for single screen were correlated with a dimensionless equation. Rates of mass transfer at an array of separated horizontal screens were lower than those at the single screen by an amount ranging from 3 to 45% depending on screen mesh number and flow conditions. The importance of the present study for building continuous high space time yield catalytic, and electrochemical reactors suitable for electrochemical air pollution control is highlighted.     

LIQUID-SOLID MASS TRANSFER AT HORIZONTAL WOVEN SCREENS WITH UPWARD COCURRENT GAS-LIQUID FLOW

Rates of liquid-solid mass transfer at horizontal single screens and an array of horizontal parallel separated screens were studied under upward cocurrent gas (N₂)-liquid bubbly flow using the electrochemical technique. Variables studied were gas and liquid flow rates, and screen characteristics (e.g., mesh number and wire diameter)

Under the present conditions where relatively low solution flow rates were used the rate of mass transfer was found to be mainly determined by the gas flow rate. For a given gas flow rate, the mass transfer coefficient decreased with increasing solution flow rate. The data for single screen were correlated with a dimensionless equation. Rates of mass transfer at an array of separated horizontal screens were lower than those at the single screen by an amount ranging from 3 to 45% depending on screen mesh number and flow conditions. The importance of the present study for building continuous high space time yield catalytic, and electrochemical reactors suitable for electrochemical air pollution control is highlighted.     

外环流气升式反应器中催化丙烯环氧化反应

本论文研究了外环流气升式反应器中TS-1催化丙烯环氧化反应,以单位催化剂空时收率为目标,进行了反应工艺条件的优化,考察了结构参数,上升管与下降管横截面积之比Ar Ad对反应的影响。     

Continuous Neutralization of NaOH Solution with CO2 in an Internal‐Loop Airlift Reactor

The neutralization of NaOH with CO₂ in a continuously operated airlift reactor with gas flow rates up to 10 NL min^?1 and gas phase recycle was investigated. Neutralization experiments were performed at 25 °C and the amount of absorbed CO₂, as well as the NaOH feed rate, were recorded. The reaction rate was calculated based on the two‐film theory and empirical equations for several parameters. The calculations of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, the liquid phase circulation velocity, and the gas holdup were experimentally validated. The reaction rate and the process efficiency were modeled with a deviation of 5 %.     

EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION AND MODELLING OF LIQUID-SOLID MASS TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS IN A THREE-PHASE REACTOR

Apparent mass transfer coefficients for solid dissolution in a liquid with and without a chemical reaction were experimentally determined in a fixed bed three phases reactor with downward cocurrent gas and liquid flows. The chemical system selected was benzoic acid, sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution, and atmospheric air. Continuous gas, pulse and dispersed bubble regimes were studied and the results were correlated obtaining apparent mass transfer coefficient as a function of liquid and fluid volumetric flow. It was found that gas flow effect on mass transfer coefficient was small over continuous gas and dispersed bubble regimes, but appreciable over pulse regime. Additionally, it was found that the mathematical model that best described the mass transfer process under pulse regime, by using the increment factor due to the instantaneous chemical reaction, is the film theory     

SIMULTANEOUS ABSORPTION OF H2S AND CO2 INTO A SOLUTION OF SODIUM CARBONATE

The simultaneous absorption of H₂S and CO₂ has been studied both experimentally and theoretically. A model has been developed which predicts the absorption rates of H₂S and CO₂ into a sodium carbonate solution. The absorption rates are calculated according to the two-film theory. In the liquid film, the finite rate of the CO₂ reaction was considered. Otherwise, in the liquid film as well as in the liquid bulk, equilibrium conditions for all reactions were assumed. Absorption experiments were performed on a packed column using a counter-flow strategy. In the experiments the influence of the initial carbonate concentration, the gas flow rate and the temperature on the removal efficiencies of H₂S and CO₂ and the selectivity of H₂S were investigated. It is desirable to absorb the H₂S but not the CO₂. The agreement between the absorption model and the experimental results from the absorber tower was satisfactory. The mass transfer coefficients were determined by fitting the experimental data to the model with respect to the H₂S and CO₂ content in the outgoing gas. The H₂S content was used to determine the gas side mass transfer coefficient and the CO₂ content was used to determine the liquid side mass transfer coefficient, The effective contact area of mass transfer was taken from published data. With a constant packing height, both the experiments and the model indicated that high carbonate concentration benefits the removal efficiency of H₂S. Higher gas flow rate also benefits the selectivity for H₂S. However, the removal efficiency will decrease. At higher temperatures the selectivity and the removal efficiency of H₂S decreased. Under the conditions investigated, the absorption of H₂S was essentially controlled by gas-side mass transfer and the absorption of CO₂ was controlled by liquid-side mass transfer     

Absorption of CO2 by aqueous triethanolamine (TEA) solutions in a high shear jet absorber

CO₂ diluted with N₂ was absorbed by aqueous triethanolamine (TEA) solutions in a jet absorber consisting of a high pressure stainless steel vessel with a pressure nozzle at the top. The gas mixture and the aqueous solution were passed simultaneously, through the pressure nozzle into the absorber. Due to the high shear imparted to the liquid very fine droplets were produced, which resulted in a very high interfacial area and rapid mass transfer. CO₂ was absorbed rapidly by the TEA solution. The effects of gas and liquid flow rates, solution concentration and CO₂ partial pressure on CO₂ loading per unit mole of TEA and the overall mass transfer coefficient were examined. CO₂ loading per mole of TEA increased with gas flow rate and decreased with liquid flow rate and solution concentration. The overall mass transfer coefficient was found to increase with gas and liquid flow rates. Both the CO₂ removal per mole of TEA and the overall mass transfer coefficient were found to be a strong function of power dissipated at the nozzle.     

微通道内离子液体/乙醇混合溶液吸收CO2的传质特性

采用高速摄像仪对微通道内离子液体/乙醇混合溶液吸收CO₂的传质行为进行了实验研究。考察了弹状流型下气液两相流量比和离子液体浓度对液侧体积传质系数k_La和液侧传质系数k_L的影响。当离子液体浓度不变时,k_La、k_L均随气液流量比的升高而增大并逐渐趋于恒定。当液相流量不变时,对于不同浓度的离子液体溶液,液侧体积传质系数k_La和液侧传质系数k_L随气液流量比的变化曲线出现了交叉点。在交叉点之前,k_La和k_L均随着离子液体浓度的增大而减小;在交叉点之后,k_La和k_L均随着离子液体浓度的增大而增大。提出了用于预测液侧体积传质系数k_La的新的量纲1经验关联式,预测效果良好。     

Mass transfer in trickle-bed reactors at low reynolds number

Mass transfer rates were determined in a 3.4 cm i.d. trickle-bed reactor in the absence of reaction by absorption measurements and in presence of reaction. Gas flow rates were varied from 0-100 l/h and liquid flow rates from 0-1.5 l/h. The catalyst particles were crushed to an average diameter of 0.054 and 0.09 cm. Mass transfer coefficients remained unaffected by change in gas flow rate but increased with liquid rate. The data from absorption measurements were evaluated with predictions based upon plug-flow and axial dispersion model. Mass transfer coefficients were found greater in case of axial dispersion model than that of plug-flow model specially at low Reynolds number (Re₁ < 1).Hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene to cumene using a Pd/Al₂O₃ catalyst was taken as a model reaction. Intrinsic kinetic studies were made in a laboratory-stirred-autoclave. Mass transfer coefficients were determined using these intrinsic kinetic data from the process kinetic measurements in trickle-bed reactor. Mass transfer coefficients under reaction conditions were found to be considerably higher than those obtained by absorption measurements.Correlations were suggested for predicting mass transfer coefficients at low Reynolds number.The gas to liquid mass transfer coefficients for lower gas and liquid flow rates were determined in a laboratory trickle-bed reactor. The effect of axial dispersion on mass transfer was considered in order to evaluate the experimental data. Three correlations were formulated to calculate the mass transfer coefficients, which included the effect of liquid loading, particle size and the properties of the reacting substances. The gas flow rate influences the gas to liquid mass transfer only in the region of low gas velocities. In the additional investigations of gas to liquid mass transfer without reaction in trickle-bed reactor, the mass transfer coefficients were determined under reaction conditions and the intrinsic kinetics was studied in a laboratory scale stirred autoclave with suspended catalyst. A few correlations are formulated for the mass transfer coefficients. A comparison with the gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient obtained by absorption measurements showed considerable deviations, which were illustrated phenomenologically.     

Characterization of an airlift reactor with helical flow promoters

The helical flow promoter (HFP), inserted in the downcomer of an airlift reactor (ALR), generates a helical flow pattern in the circulating gas–liquid (solid) mixture. Data on the fluidization capacity, gas holdup, liquid velocity and mass transfer rate for two- and three-phase systems with two different carboxymethylcellulose solutions collected in a 58 L ALR-HFP are presented and compared with those of common pneumatic reactors. Generally, an increasing solid concentration led to a slight decrease in gas holdup and liquid velocity but to a considerable decrease in mass transfer rates. Insertion of HFPs produced a significantly enhanced fluidization capacity of solid particles compared to the common systems.     

射流鼓泡反应器中液相体积传质系数的测定

羰基合成反应一般采用射流鼓泡反应器,该类反应器气液混合的方式采用射流而非机械搅拌,其主要优点是结构简单、制作简便、维护费用低。研究该类型反应器的传质系数对于其设计、优化及放大操作均具有重要意义。本研究采用缩颈式圆形喷嘴,以动态溶氧法对射流鼓泡反应器内的液相体积传质系数进行测定,考察了表观气速、射流雷诺数对液相体积传质系数的影响。研究发现,随气速增大液相体积传质系数的变化规律为先增大而后保持不变。维持表观气速不变,随雷诺数增加液相体积传质系数增大,但当表观气速小于0.0012 m/s时,雷诺数对传质改善较小。建立了液相体积传质系数的经验关联式,当气体输入功率占总功率56%时,液相体积传质系数最大,气体鼓泡和液体射流的协同作用最强。     

微通道内单乙醇胺水溶液吸收CO2/N2混合气的传质特性

采用高速摄像仪对400 μm×400 μm T形微通道内单乙醇胺（MEA）水溶液吸收混合气中CO₂过程的气液两相流及传质特性进行了实验研究,微通道内的压力降采用压力传感器进行测量。考察了弹状流型下气液两相流量及MEA浓度对压力降、比表面积和传质性能的影响。结果表明,当MEA浓度不变,气液两相流量增大时,压力降、比表面积、传质系数、体积传质系数和增强因子均增大,并逐渐趋于恒定。当气液流量不变,MEA浓度增大时,压力降、传质系数、体积传质系数和增强因子增大,但比表面积减小。实验条件下,压力降范围为2.00~5.23 kPa,化学吸收过程的传质系数范围为7.74×10^-4~2.97×10^-3 m·s^-1。对于伴有快速化学反应的传质过程,以Sherwood数、Reynolds数、Schmidt数及增强因子为变量建立了体积传质系数的预测关联式,平均偏差为5.09%,具有良好的预测性能。     

气升式外环流反应器的体积传质系数

以Higbie的渗透理论和Kolmogoroff的湍流理论为基础,提出了计算液体旋涡在气液相界面暴露时间的方法,并建立了预测体积传质系数的模型方程。在不同管径比下的外环流反应器中,对空气 水体系测定了操作气速对体积传质系数、循环液速和气含率的影响。将体积传质系数与表观气速和下降管与上升管的面积比按幂函数进行关联,其预测值和试验值符合较好。     

微通道内二乙醇胺/乙醇溶液吸收CO2的传质性能

利用高速摄像仪实验研究了微通道内二乙醇胺（DEA）/乙醇溶液吸收CO₂的传质过程。采用图像法得到微通道内气泡的体积变化,根据微通道进出口压力,计算得到了气液两相从开始接触到平衡时的平均传质系数k。分别考察了气液相流量和DEA浓度对传质系数的影响。结果表明：传质系数随着液相流量和溶液中DEA浓度增大而增大。对于给定的液相流量和DEA浓度,k随着气相流量增大而增大并逐渐趋于一个恒定值。提出了一个传质系数预测式,预测值和实验结果吻合良好。     

An optimization method for enhancement of gas–liquid mass transfer in a bubble column reactor based on the entropy generation extremum principle

In this study, an optimization method is proposed to enhance the gas–liquid mass transfer in bubble column reactor based on the entropy generation extremum principle. The mass transfer–induced entropy generation can be maximized with the increase of mass transfer rate, based on which the velocity field can be optimized. The oxygen gas–liquid mass transfer is the major rate–limiting step of the toluene emissions biodegradation process in bubble column reactor, so the entropy generation due to oxy...