| Abstract: | Turbulence on the axis of a pipe is isotropic and homogeneous and the rate of turbulent energy dissipation, ε, is known as a function of the velocity, pipe diameter and viscosity. When, however, a concentric feed pipe is introduced (as in a reactor), the ε field does not seem to be known. Evidence from fast, mixing-controlled reactions indicates a disturbance near to and downstream from the feed pipe with an increase in ε. Because of the lack of experimental information, the radial and axial distribution of ε has been modeled. One parameter—ε at the outlet of the feedpipe—is undetermined in this model. It is shown how the radial dispersion and especially the micromixing and reaction of fluid emerging isokinetically from the feed pipe can then be calculated, using a one-dimensional, radially averaged formulation. An application to four coupled, mixing-controlled reactions is included. Simulated and measured product distributions compared satisfactorily at various concentration levels and two solution viscosities. Whereas the new model is plausible, more work is needed to understand how a feed pipe modifies the flow in its vicinity. |
