Abstract

Detailed numerical results are presented that show how catalyst particles can be tailored to influence the yield and selectivity of fast, heterogeneously-catalyzed gas-liquid chemical reactions. Results from our Euler-Lagrange study demonstrate that the physical characteristics of the catalyst particle (e.g. size and density) impact where the particles concentrate in the wake of the bubble. Smaller particles concentrate in the wake, while larger particles move out of the wake. Since the dissolved gas concentration is the highest in the wake small particles will catalyze the reaction at higher concentrations than large particles. Additionally, smaller and lighter particles remain in the recirculation zone for an extended period of time, whereas the heaviest particles are removed from this region. By carefully choosing particles of a certain Stokes number, it is shown that the yield and selectivity of a fast parallel reaction network can be enhanced.

Recommended Citation

Raffensberger, Jodi; Koynov, Athanas A.; Glasser, Benjamin J.; and Khinast, Johannes G. (2003) "Influence of Particle Properties on the Yield and Selectivity of Fast Heterogeneously Catalyzed Gas-Liquid Reactions," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 1: A15.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol1/A15