Abstract

Our understanding of gas-liquid–liquid reaction systems is not well developed today despite their widespread use in the process industries. Research work is demanded or inspired in those fields where basic information is either lacking or poorly organized. The field of mixing and agitation in gas-liquid-liquid reaction system is a typical example. Methyl ethyl ketazine formation is a typical case of homogeneous catalyzed gas-liquid-liquid reaction. The parametric study of ketazine formation has been carried out in a semi batch reactor. Agitation effect on methyl ethyl ketazine formation has been studied. Two types of agitators are used - flat paddle stirrer and vaned disk stirrer. The studies show that agitation plays an important role on the reaction. Yield of ketazine improved with degree of agitation, categorizing the reaction as moderately fast. Vaned disk stirrer is found to be more effective compared to flat paddle stirrer. Rate of reaction increases up to 600 rpm indicating diffusion control, beyond 600 rpm there is no appreciable change in the yield, thus favoring kinetics controlled mechanism. This 600 rpm can be thus regarded as "the desired level of agitation."

Recommended Citation

Kaur, Raminder; Machiraju, Ramakrishna; and Nigam, K.D.P. (2007) "Agitation Effects in a Gas-Liquid-Liquid Reactor System: Methyl Ethyl Ketazine Production," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 5: A27.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol5/A27