Applying a new approach to predict the residence time distribution in impinging streams reactors

Abstract

ABSTRACT Different configurations of impinging streams (IS) reactors are designed and widely applied in multiphase reactions. The great properties of IS reactors is to enhance the reaction kinetics by attenuating mass transfer resistances. It is highly important to have information on the residence time distribution (RTD) of fluid elements inside these devices to determine the kinetic behavior of the multiphase reactions performed in IS reactors. Herein, the RTD of fluid inside a two tangentially IS reactor is experimentally measured and theoretically modeled using simple conventional models like the stirred tank in series model. A new and more realistic model is presented that predicts the RTD of such IS reactors with larger precision. It consists of an ideal PFR reactor followed by a recycle reactor consisting of a cascade of tank in series reactor with a recycle stream.