Regime mapping and the role of the intermediate region in wall-coated microreactors

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

J. P. Lopes (Author) Other; M. A. Alves (Author) FEUP; M. S. N. Oliveira (Author) Other; S. S. S. Cardoso (Author) Other; A. E. Rodrigues (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Chemical Engineering Science

Vol. 94

Pages: 166-184

ISSN: 0009-2509

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 6 Citations

INSPEC

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Chemical engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-005-0T8

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2013.02.037

Abstract (EN): Operation of a wall-coated microreactor can occur in several mass transfer-reaction regimes. We define these regimes analytically in several planes of a multi-parametric map, taking into account the different degrees of concentration profile development, as well as the influence of non-unity orders of reaction and reactant inhibition in the kinetic law. It was found that the regions where conversion can be calculated from simplified mass transfer models are not discriminated by common results for entrance-length. We also illustrate the trade-offs that exist across this operating map concerning the catalyst design (costs associated with loading and volume) and overall system performance (evaluated in terms of reactant conversion, flow efficiency and microreactor effectiveness). It is shown that under certain conditions, the existence of moderate mass transfer resistance can be advantageous (even if internal limitations cannot be avoided), clarifying the role of the intermediate transport-reaction region.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 19