Comparison between three static mixers for emulsification in turbulent flow

This paper deals with comparing performances of three different static mixers in terms of pressure drop generated by both single-phase flow and liquid–liquid flow in turbulent flow regime and in terms of emulsification performances. The three motionless mixers compared are the well-known SMX™ and SMV™ and the new version of the SMX called SMXPlus™. This experimental study aims at highlighting the influence of the dispersed phase concentration and some of the geometrical parameters such as number of elements and design of the motionless mixer on droplets size distributions characteristics. Finally, experimental results are correlated in terms of Sauter mean diameter as a function of hydrodynamic dimensionless numbers

Transposition from a batch to a continuous process for microencapsulation by interfacial polycondensation

A novel continuous process is proposed and investigated to produce microcapsules by interfacial polycondensation. Polymeric microcapsules are obtained via a two-step process including an initial emulsification of two immiscible fluids in static mixers and a subsequent interfacial polycondensation reaction performed in two different continuous reactors, the Deanhex heat exchanger/reactor or a classical coiledtube. This study is carried out through a step by step approach. A model system involving polyurea as the polymeric membrane and cyclohexane as the encapsulated species is chosen. A semi-batch reaction kinetic study is first performed in order to obtain kinetics data of the polycondensation reaction and to highlight hydrodynamic issues that can happen when running the encapsulation reaction in classical stirred tank. Parameters influencing droplets size obtained when carrying out emulsification in static mixers are then investigated. The hydrodynamic of the Deanhex reactor used is also characterized in terms of mixing time and residence time distribution. To validate the innovative continuous process, the emulsion droplets obtained at the static mixer outlet are encapsulated firstly in the Deanhex reactor and secondly in the coiled-tube. The apparent reaction kinetics and microcapsules characteristics corresponding to different operating conditions are discussed

PIV measurements in an aerated tank stirred by a down- and up-pumping axial flow impeller

Liquid phase hydrodynamics in an aerated tank stirred by a down- and an up-pumping pitched blade turbine have been investigated using Particle Image Velocimetry. The effect of agitator configuration and the gas phase on the mean velocity fields and turbulent quantities in the vessel have been investigated. The global mean gas holdup has also been evaluated for the two pumping conditions. For the gas flow rate used, the presence of gas only slightly alters the liquid flow patterns produced by both the down- and up-pumping configurations and causes a general decrease in the mean liquid velocities. The turbulent kinetic energy in the impeller discharge region was not affected by the presence of gas, but in the bulk of the tank, aeration caused a decrease in this value. Global gas holdup was found to be ~36% greater for the up-pumping impeller and a large amount of gas was found to be entrained by the primary circulation loop

Le temps suspendu ou l’univers cinématique de Joseph Cornell

Pour le collectionneur, j’entends le vrai, le collectionneur tel qu’il doit être, la possession est la relation la plus profonde que l’on puisse entretenir avec les choses : non qu’alors elles soient vivantes en lui, c’est lui-même au contraire qui habite en elles.Walter Benjamin, Je déballe ma bibliothèque, Paris, Rivages Joseph Cornell, est né en 1903 à Nyack près de New York et est mort en 1972 à Flushing, Long Island. Si cet artiste est surtout connu pour ses « boîtes », il est également ..

Turbulent liquid–liquid dispersion in SMV static mixer at high dispersed phase concentration

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of physico-chemical parameters on liquid–liquid dispersion at high dispersed phase concentration in Sulzer SMV™ mixer. Four different oil-in-water systems involving two different surfactants are used in order to evaluate the effect of interfacial tension, densities and viscosities ratio on mean droplets size diameters. Moreover the influence of the dispersed phase concentration on the pressure drop as well as on the droplet size distribution is investigated. Two different droplets size distribution analysis techniques are used in order to compare the resulting Sauter mean diameters. The comparison between residence time in the mixer and surfactants adsorption kinetics leads to take into account the evolution of the interfacial tension between both phases at short times. Finally experimental results are correlated as a function of dimensionless Reynolds and Weber numbers

Effets des anions minéraux sur la décomposition de l'ozone dans l'eau

L'influence des anions minéraux sur la décomposition de l'ozone est étudiée. Les expériences mettent en oeuvre les anions SO42-, PO43-, BO33-, SiO22-, NO3-, HCO3-+ CO32- à des concentrations identiques à celles habituellement rencontrées dans le domaine des eaux potables. Un plan d'expérience simple qui permet d'attribuer ou non une influence à chaque espèce minérale et de voir l'interaction éventuelle avec le pH est utilisé. Les manipulations sont réalisées sur un pilote de laboratoire conçu pour éliminer toutes traces de matières organiques.L'étude fait apparaître que seuls les carbonates et les bicarbonates ont une influence notable sur cette décomposition et que le pH interfère en jouant sur l'équilibre carbonates-bicarbonates. Ceci permet de vérifier l'équation théorique établie par YURTERI et GUROL (1988) en l'absence de matières organiques. L'ordre apparent de la réaction varie entre 1 et 2 : ordre 2 pour les teneurs en bicarbonates faibles (30 mg.l-1) et ordre 1 pour une teneur forte (300 mg.l-1) lorsque le pH basique déplace l'équilibre vers les carbonates. Pour 300 mg.l-1 et des pH neutres l'ordre de la réaction oscille entre 1,5 et 2. Pour un ordre 1, on peut calculer la constante d'initiation de la décomposition de l'oxydant par l'ion hydroxyle OH- (k = 80 l.mol-1 s-1).The influence of anionic mineral species on the decomposition of ozone in water was studied. The experiments involved the anions SO42-, PO43-, BO33-, SiO22-, NO3-, HCO3-+ CO32- at concentrations identical to those usually found in drinking water. The manipulations were carried out with a simple experimental procedure which allowed to determine whether or not the mineral species had an influence on this decomposition and to observe thereof the effect of the pH. A laboratory pilot made of glass and teflon, in order to eliminate any traces of organic compounds, was used.Results of this work prove that only the carbonates and bicarbonates have a notable influence on this decomposition and that the pH interferes by disrupting the bicarbonate-carbonate equilibrium. The theoretical equation established without organic compounds by YURTERI and GUROL (1988) is verified.The order of the reaction varies from 1 to 2. The order is 1 when the amount of bicarbonates is weak (30 mg/l). The order is 2 in the case of a 300 mg.l-1 concentration when the basic pH changes the equilibrium towards the carbonates. For 300 mg.l-1 concentrations and a neutral pH, the order of the reaction reaches values from 1,5 to 2. In the case of an order 1, the constant rate of the oxidant decomposition by hydroxyle ion OH¯ is calculated. Its value is 80 l.mol-1 s-1

Flow generated by radial flow impellers: PIV measurements and CFD simulations

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been used to investigate the single phase and gas-liquid flow generated by a Scaba SRGT turbine. The key details of the trailing vortices, the turbulent flow around the impeller blades and the accumulation of gas have been studied by using PIV measurements and CFD simulations. Both the experimental and numerical results show that the flow and the trailing vortices are not altered significantly upon gassing. The simulated results are generally in good agreement with the experimental findings. The CFD simulations also show that only small low-pressure regions exist behind the blades of the Scaba turbine compared with the very large lowpressure zones formed by the Rushton turbine. These results enable better understanding of the improved performance of the Scaba turbine for gas-liquid dispersions compared with the Rushton turbine

Pressure drop and axial dispersion in industrial millistructured heat exchange reactors

Hydrodynamic characterization by means of pressure drop and residence time distribution (RTD)experiments is performed in three millistructured heat exchange reactors: two Corning reactors (further referred to as Corning HP and Corning RT) and a Chart reactor. Pressure drop is measured for different flow rates and fluids. Fanning friction factor is then calculated and its evolution versus Reynolds number is plotted for each reactor, showing the influence of the geometrical characteristics of the reactors on this parameter. From RTD experiments, axial dispersion coefficients that allow calculating Péclet numbers are identified by solving the convection-dispersion equation. The results highlight plug flow behavior of these reactors for the range of flow rates studied. Péclet number in Corning HP remains constant in the range of Reynolds number studied. Its specific pattern is designed to generate mixing structures that allow homogenization of the tracer over the cross-section. It explains the plug flow behaviour of this reactor even at low Reynolds number but generates high pressure drop. Péclet number in Corning RT and Chart ShimTec1 increases with Reynolds number. This evolution is encountered for straight circular pipes in turbulent regime and confirms the pressure drop analysis

A new numerical method for axial dispersion characterization in microreactors

Axial dispersion is a key phenomenon in reactor engineering that can affect yield and selectivity when reactions are carried out. Therefore its characterization is necessary for an adequate modelling of the reactor. The development of compact reactors to fit with process intensification expectations requires the use of characterization methods adapted to small-scale devices. An original method not-frequently used up to now for the estimation of axial dispersion coefficients is presented and applied to millimetric wavy channels. It is based on CFD simulations to calculate velocity and concentration fields from which axial dispersion coefficient can be estimated. This method is used to predict the impact of the wavy channel geometry and of the fluid velocity on axial dispersion in laminar flow regime. The investigated geometrical parameters are the hydraulic diameter (2–4 mm), the cross-sectional aspect ratio defined as the ratio between the channel width and its depth (0.25–1) and the internal curvature radius of the bends (2–3.4 mm). The range of Reynolds number considered is Re = 70–1 600. Axial dispersion coefficient increases with velocity, values range from 2.8 10-4 to 3.2 10-3 m2.s-1. It appears that axial dispersion varies slightly in function of the channel hydraulic diameter. Square wavy channels generate less axial dispersion than rectangular wavy ones. Finally, axial dispersion coefficient increases with the internal curvature radius which shows the positive impact of sharp bends to reduce axial dispersion effect

Aggregation and breakup of acrylic latex particles inside millimetric scale reactors

Aggregation of acrylic latex is investigated inside tubular millireactors working under laminar hydrodynamic conditions. The size distribution and fractal dimension of aggregates are measured using light scattering. Results show that the equilibrium between rupture and aggregation is achieved quickly, allowing the study of cluster size distribution and shape at the aggregation/rupture steady state. Both laminar hydrodynamic conditions and high shear rate are suspected to promote the formation of aggregates with a high fractal dimension, which means that the particles are almost spherical, thereby offering an interesting alternative to conventional batch processes. These results can provide useful information for industries aiming at producing aggregates at specified size and quality