ISSN:
0001-1541
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
Unpacked pipes or tubes, commonly called flow reactors, are often desirable for carrying out homogeneous reactions. Unless these reactors are properly designed and operated, axial mixing will alter both the rate of conversion and the distribution of products from successive reactions. Several hypothetical reaction schemes are analyzed here to show how axial mixing affects the production of an intermediate. The analysis represents mixing by an axial diffusion coefficient and is valid when mixing is not extreme. Results from several particular cases are compared, showing that reactor-product distribution is generally distorted in proportion to a reactor Peclet number. G. I. Taylor's theory of axial mixing is used to relate this Peclet number to the physical characteristics of the reactorAlthough the effects of axial mixing are concluded to be negligible in most commercial or large-scale equipment, they are serious in the case of experimental or pilot-scale apparatus. Charts are drawn to illustrate design problems for these reactors.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aic.690090324
